Fire and Arson Investigations

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has the legislative responsibility to investigate the origin and cause of fires and explosions throughout the state of Maryland. If the cause of the fire is determined to be criminal in nature the Deputy State Fire Marshal (DSFM), a sworn officer, continues the investigation into the arson or explosive incident. Most DSFM's are certified as fire investigators through the National Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board and/or the International Association of Arson Investigators.

An investigation into a fire or explosion is often originated by a request from a first responding fire or police department. A statewide dispatch center receives the requests and alerts the regional on-call DSFM. At least one DSFM is always on call and available to respond to requests within their assigned region twenty-four hours a day, everyday. Private citizens and property owners can also make a request for an investigator through the local police department or 911 center.

DSFMs handle all aspects of a case, including scene examination, evidence collection, photography, and suspect interrogation. They specifically enforce laws regarding:

• Arson and malicious burning.
• Fires set to defraud insurance companies.
• The use and storage of explosives.

The office utilizes advanced tools such as hydrocarbon detection meters and accelerant detection canines (K9 units) to identify flammable materials at fire scenes.

Questions?