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OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHALThe State Fire Marshal has the responsibility for investigating fires and explosions of an incendiary nature. Special Agents assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal work under the title of Deputy State Fire Marshals. Deputy State Fire Marshals use the scientific method to conduct investigations of fires and explosions for origin and cause. Deputy State Fire Marshals classify fire events as accidental, natural, incendiary or undetermined. Fire classifications may be used for assignment of responsibility, reporting purposes and compilation of statistics. Deputy State Fire Marshals use various methods to document and further investigations They interview complainants, suspects and witnesses to develop information and collect evidence from fire scenes and other sources. Once all the facts of the case are gathered and reviewed, the case may be submitted to the local District Attorney for prosecution of arson or associated crimes. If the decision is made to prosecute a case, the assigned Deputy State Fire Marshal works closely with the prosecutor. Deputy State Fire Marshals must qualify as an expert witness in the area of fire science in a court of law for each case they testify in. In addition, many cases that the Fire Marshal's Office deals with are linked to other crimes such as fraud, burglary or homicide. Because of the complexities found in fire investigations, Deputy Fire Marshals work daily with all types of professionals including law enforcement agencies and fire departments throughout the State of Wisconsin; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Fire investigations are collaborative and often lengthy ensuring compliance with current investigative standards. The State Fire Marshal does not have responsibility for building codes or fire statistics. For fire fighter training see Wisconsin Technical Colleges Unsolved Arsons If you have information about any unsolved fires or any suspected arson fires, please call 608-266-1671 and ask to speak to a Deputy State Fire Marshal. You may also call the Wisconsin Arson Tip Line at 1-800-362-3005. Callers to the Arson Tip Line will remain confidential and may be eligible for cash awards. Obtaining Fire Reports
To obtain a copy of a fire investigation report, write to: Please provide as much information as possible, including the date and location of the fire and names of the owners/occupants. If the investigation is closed, a copy of the report will be mailed to you. The cost for released reports is $.15 per page plus postage. There is no charge for 10 or fewer pages. If the Fire Marshal's Office was not involved in the investigation, or if the matter is still being investigated and no reports can be released as of your request date, you will be advised in writing. Report Forms for Fire Scenes There are a number of forms that have proved very useful for investigators at the fire scene. Attached is a report for the first officer on the scene [PDF], a report for general fire incident notes [PDF], a report for structure fire notes [PDF], and a report for observations at fatal fire scenes [PDF]. Local fire departments should feel free to use these templates, making any desired changes as necessary, including adding a department logo. The forms have been provided here in Word format to allow for easy editing by local agencies.
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Acrobat Reader to open. Useful Links Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs' Association Wisconsin Chapter - International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Wisconsin State Firefighters' Association How to Contact Us Fire or law enforcement agencies needing assistance at a fire scene should call
608-266-1671. This telephone number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tell the receptionist you need immediate assistance from a fire marshal, and the
special agents on duty will be contacted. STATE FIRE MARSHAL CONTACTS:
Tina R. Virgil
Joell E. Schigur |
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This page created by the Department of Justice. All text, images or associated items are property of the Department of Justice, and may only be reproduced with the consent of the Department of Justice. |
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