First off, let me tell you two things:
1. This question is not all that controversial. It is actually a great question. Some of the finest fire investigators we have in the field today, for reasons you are about to see, have never spent five minutes on the hoseline.
2. Ignore virtually everything cubbie posted.
I have been in this field every day of my life for a long time. I first testified as an expert witness in 1980. Back then, the field of fire investigation was rooted in anecdotal evidence, an ignorance of science and untested theory. It was easy for a fire officer to call himself a fire investigator based on the fact that he had seen it and done it all. This nonsense was so deeply rooted that it still continues in some areas today. Back then, there was no such thing as Daubert or Frye, there was no significant research into fire science and the forensic capabibilities of most laboratories was primitive at best.
As the field of fire investigation has evolved, even in just the past few years, science and forensics have moved to the forefront. Today, a fire investigator MUST know an awful lot about fire science and fire dynamics. He also must be completely aware of how to properly conduct a complete and thorough fire investigation that can withstand rigorous scrutiny in a court of law. The fire investigator working in the 21st century must be thoroughly familiar with the forensically proper way to document a scene and to report their findings in a cogent, scientifically acceptable fashion.
As I said earlier, I spend virtually every day of my life in an activity involving fire investigation. I have worked with hundreds of fire investigators. I can tell you without hesitation that some of the best that I have encountered have been police officers, engineers or scientists who have an extensive background and education in the field, including conducting research that most fire fighters would not even begin to understand. These folks are employed in both the public and private sector-some make a very lucrative living.
I am a member of the IAAI CFI Committee. I review several applications a month for both new and renewal certifications. While it is true that there are requirements for education, training and experience in the field, there is zero truth that the education, experience and training has to be in the field of fire fighting. I am making the assumption that your wife is working in the forensic investigation field. Her education, training and experience would definitely count towards the IAAI-CFI certification. As would any papers she may have published, texts she may have contributed to or classes that she may have taught. Fire investigation related items garner more points, but the valuable experience your wife would bring to the table is definitely counted towards an IAAI certification.
Has she testified in court as an expert witness? Chances are that those testimonies would also count towards her certification.
A major challenge, as I see it, is getting some relevant experience and training. First thing, she should join the IAAI as well as your local state chapter (
www.firearson.com). This will give her exposure to the field and help her to establish contacts. I have always found that the best job opportunities come from networking. Joining NAFI is not a bad idea either.
Second, she needs to get some fire investigation training. The best place she can go for that (and free) is
www.cfitrainer.net. This is a site sponsored by the IAAI that provides tested training in fire investigation. At the present time there are approximately 16 modules up and running. While this certainly is not a complete training program, it will provide her with a foundation on which she can build. (I must warn you, however, that there is a stunningly handsome man featured in the Fire Scene Documentation module that she may fall in love with. Proceed with caution).
Can she parlay some of her education into an engineering degree? Fire Protection Engineering is the obvious choice. However, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, physical engineers all have a seat at the table in the fire investigation.
It also wouldn't be a bad idea to explore the NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist certification.
The major stumbling block is fire investigation experience. She may have to get creative. Is there a fire investigation task force near where you live? She may be able to volunteer her time to assist. She certainly has something to offer. Perhaps there is a local fire investigation company can use her as an intern or an evidence tech or in some other capacity. She needs to think outside the box. If she can overcome this hurdle, she is in.
The job opportunities that will probably come her way are in the private sector. The larger companies offer a wider array of services that might make it easier for her to make her square peg fit into their hole.
Do not give up on this. The fire investigation field needs more people with solid forensic science backgrounds. Good luck and let me know how you make out.
