Airport rescue trucks parked in front of a station

Investigations

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Investigations Services Section provides fire investigation services to 23 of the county’s 32 cities as well as unincorporated areas, serving an estimated population of 2 million residents across 593 square miles.

OCFA’s Investigations Section is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and related incidents throughout its jurisdiction. Investigators conduct thorough scene examinations, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports to support both fire prevention strategies and potential criminal prosecutions. The section frequently collaborates with local law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, and federal partners such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ensure accurate case resolution. Investigators also provide expert testimony in court, deliver training to OCFA personnel, and support community risk reduction by identifying trends and recommending preventive measures.

The Investigations Section plays a critical role in protecting lives and property by ensuring that the root causes of fires are properly identified and addressed. Their work not only holds individuals accountable for unlawful acts such as arson but also provides valuable data that guides fire prevention programs, building code enforcement, and public education efforts. Through a combination of technical expertise, interagency cooperation, and dedication to public safety, the OCFA Investigations Section stands as a vital safeguard for the communities it serves.

Staffing & Personnel

The OCFA investigators are sworn peace officers and maintain 24/7 coverage, with two investigators assigned per shift and two additional investigators working a standard 40-hour schedule to support operational demands. The Investigations team is further strengthened by a full-time Arson Abatement Officer from the Irvine Police Department, enhancing collaboration and case support. Investigators work closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough criminal follow-up and maintain a strong partnership with the District Attorney’s Office to support successful case prosecution.

Training

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) places a strong emphasis on the training and professional development of its Investigations Section to ensure that investigators are highly skilled and prepared to manage the wide range of incidents they encounter. Fire investigators undergo rigorous initial training followed by continuous education to maintain proficiency in origin and cause determination, evidence collection, witness interviewing, and courtroom testimony.

Their training curriculum includes specialized instruction in fire dynamics, building construction, electrical systems, hazardous materials recognition, and explosives. In addition, investigators complete law enforcement-related coursework to support their authority as peace officers, enabling them to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, and prepare cases for prosecution.

Ongoing professional development is a cornerstone of the program. Investigators regularly participate in advanced courses provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), and other recognized training institutions. These courses cover emerging threats such as clandestine drug laboratories, terrorism-related fire incidents, and the integration of technology into investigative practices.

Beyond classroom instruction, OCFA investigators participate in joint training exercises with local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and federal partners to strengthen interagency coordination. They also conduct in-service training for OCFA suppression personnel, ensuring that firefighters understand evidence preservation and scene security procedures that are vital to successful investigations.

This comprehensive training approach equips OCFA investigators with the expertise, credibility, and adaptability required to safeguard Orange County communities through accurate, thorough, and professional fire investigations.

Freedom

OCFA’s Accelerant Detection Canine, Freedom, is a Yellow Labrador Retriever born on April 1, 2018. Freedom graduated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) training program and was certified on December 7, 2018, the same day he was placed into service. He is one of only four ATF-certified Accelerant Detection Canines in California, and one of just 65 nationwide, making him a highly specialized and valuable resource. Freedom undergoes annual recertification through the ATF to ensure his skills remain at the highest standard. As a federal resource, he is capable of deploying to incidents across the nation. Trained to detect trace amounts of ignitable liquids, Freedom can identify substances from six different classes, including gasoline, light petroleum distillates, medium petroleum distillates, heavy petroleum distillates, isoparaffinic compounds, and naphthenic compounds.

Captain Shaun Miller, Freedom’s assigned OCFA handler, works alongside him as part of a certified team. Freedom plays a critical role in supporting investigators by identifying evidence of arson, strengthening criminal case outcomes, and improving the accuracy of origin-and-cause determinations. In addition to his operational duties, Freedom is an active participant in community engagement, regularly attending public education events, school visits, and demonstrations. These efforts not only showcase his unique capabilities but also build public awareness about fire prevention and the importance of OCFA’s investigative work. Through both his investigative precision and outreach presence, Freedom serves as an invaluable asset to the OCFA and the communities it protects.