2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Fire Investigator
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Law, Public Safety & Security

PSAV	
Program Number	P430202	
CIP Number	0743020501	
Grade Level	30,31	
Standard Length	320 hours	
Teacher Certification	FIRE FIGHT  @7    7G	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	33-2021  Fire Inspectors and Investigators	
Facility Code	http://www.fldoe.org/edfacil/sref.asp (State Requirements for Educational Facilities)	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm 	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Industry Certifications	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/fcpea/default.asp	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	
Basic Skills Level	Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services/State Fire College for information regarding basic skills.	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Law, Public Safety and Security career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Law, Public Safety and Security career cluster. 

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of one occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

The following table illustrates the post-secondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Length	SOC Code	
A	FFP0660	Fire Investigator I	160 hours	33-2021	
B	FFP0661	Fire Investigator II	160 hours	33-2021	

Special Notes

The Fire Investigator is a restricted enrollment program.  Applicants must be certified law enforcement, fire fighter or fire inspector.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of classifications, controls, and applications of automatic sprinkler systems.
02.0	Demonstrate knowledge of inspection practices for fire protection systems.
03.0	Demonstrate knowledge of classifications, controls, and applications of portable fire extinguishers.
04.0	Demonstrate knowledge of water supply for sprinkler and standpipe systems.
05.0	Demonstrate knowledge of acceptance testing for fire protection systems.
06.0	Identify the appropriate certifications for fire extinguishers, hood systems, sprinkler systems, and alarm devices.
07.0	Demonstrate knowledge of various extinguishing agents.
08.0	Define types of building classifications and construction types.
09.0	Define various loads and forces that affect buildings.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of various types of building construction and their effect on fire propagation, smoke generation, and control.
11.0	Define the characteristics of various building materials, with particular regard to fire resistance.
12.0	Define the characteristics of various building types and occupancies, with particular regard to fire load and resistance.
13.0	Describe principles of fire resistance, fire growth, and the behavior of fire and smoke in buildings.
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of features of matter and energy.
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of chemical reaction:  oxidation, reduction, and combustion.
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the fire tetrahedron and principles of extinguishment.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of common elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of corrosive materials, i.e. acids and bases.
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of path of travel of fire, heat, and smoke.
20.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the fire investigator.
21.0	Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between accidental and incendiary fire causes.
22.0	Demonstrate the ability to recognize and report indicators of the point of origin of a fire.
23.0	Explain the rule of law as it pertains to arrest, search and seizure procedures and their application to fire investigations.
24.0	Recognize and interpret fire scenes common to various types of fires.
25.0	Describe the chemistry of combustion and the relationship of atoms, elements, compounds, and organic compounds on fire.
26.0	Explain the nature and behavior of fire including the effects of heat.
27.0	Explain and identify the combustion properties of liquids, gases and solid fuels.
28.0	Identify and explain electrical causes of fires.
29.0	List and explain the procedures for lifting fingerprints, evidence collection and preservation.
30.0	List and identify the make-up and use of incendiary devices, explosives, and bombs.
31.0	List the procedures for documenting fire scenes, including sketching, photography, and report writing.
32.0	Analyze fire-related deaths and injuries and describe methods of documentation.
33.0	Identify the techniques for interviewing and questioning suspects and subjects.
34.0	Explain the role of the fire investigator in courtroom proceedings including courtroom demeanor and testifying.
35.0	Identify and list the sources and technology available for fire investigations.
36.0	Identify and analyze the causes involved in the line of duty firefighter deaths related to structural and wildland firefighting, training and research and the reduction of emergency risks and accidents.

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Fire Investigator
PSAV Number:	P430202

Course Number:  FFP0660 
Occupational Completion Point:  A
Fire Investigator I – 160 Hours – SOC Codes 33-2021	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of classifications, controls, and applications of automatic sprinkler systems--The student will be able to:	
01.01	List and define the classes of automatic sprinkler systems.	
01.02	Identify and describe major controls of automatic sprinkler systems.	
01.03	Discuss proper installation and application of automatic sprinkler systems for different classes of occupancies.	
02.0	Demonstrate knowledge of inspection practices for fire protection systems--The student will be able to:	
02.01	Discuss legal requirements for fire protection system inspections.	
02.02	Discuss testing of fire protection systems.	
03.0	Demonstrate knowledge of classifications, controls, and applications of portable fire extinguishers--The student will be able to:	
03.01	List and define the classes of portable fire extinguishers.	
03.02	Identify and describe major controls of portable fire extinguishers.	
03.03	Discuss proper installation and application of portable fire extinguishers for different classes of occupancies.	
04.0	Demonstrate knowledge of water supply for sprinkler and standpipe systems--The student will be able to:	
04.01	Identify the major parts of sprinkler systems.	
04.02	Identify the major parts of standpipe systems.	
04.03	Discuss the use of sprinkler systems in fire suppression tactics of fire departments.	
04.04	Discuss the use of standpipe systems in fire suppression tactics of fire departments.	
04.05	Discuss the water supply system for sprinklers.	
04.06	Discuss the water supply system for standpipes.	
05.0	Demonstrate knowledge of acceptance testing for fire protection systems--The student will be able to:	
05.01	Define acceptance testing.	
05.02	Define compliance testing.	
05.03	Discuss acceptance testing procedures for fire protection systems.	
06.0	Identify the appropriate certifications for fire extinguishers, hood systems, sprinkler systems, and alarm devices--The student will be able to:	
06.01	Identify the certification procedures for portable fire extinguishers.	
06.02	Identify the certification procedures for hood systems.	
06.03	Identify the certification procedures for sprinkler systems.	
06.04	Identify the certification procedures for fire alarm systems.	
06.05	Express final sentiments.	
06.06	Evaluate the program.	
07.0	Demonstrate knowledge of various extinguishing agents--The student will be able to:	
07.01	Discuss the properties of water as a fire extinguishing agent.	
07.02	Discuss the properties of dry chemical as a fire extinguishing agent.	
07.03	Discuss the properties of carbon dioxide as a fire extinguishing agent.	
07.04	Discuss the properties of foam as a fire extinguishing agent.	
07.05	Discuss the properties of halon as a fire extinguishing agent.	
07.06	Discuss the properties of water as a fire extinguishing agent.	
08.0	Define types of building classifications and construction types--The student will be able to:	
08.01	Define and describe the characteristics of single-family residential construction.	
08.02	Define and describe the characteristics of multi-family residential construction.	
08.03	Define and describe the characteristics of light commercial construction.	
08.04	Define and describe the characteristics of heavy commercial construction.	
08.05	Define and describe the characteristics of industrial construction.	
08.06	Define and describe the characteristics of single-family residential construction.	
09.0	Define various loads and forces that affect buildings--The student will be able to:	
09.01	Define (a) vertical load, (b) sheer load, (c) tortional load, (d) compressive   load, (e) tension load, (f) static load, (g) live load, and (h) fire load.	
09.02	Define wind pressure.	
09.03	Discuss windstorm provisions of building codes.	
09.04	Define (a) vertical load, (b) sheer load, (c) tortional load, (d) compressive   load, (e) tension load, (f) static load, (g) live load, and (h) fire load.	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of various types of building construction and their effect on fire propagation, smoke generation, and control--The student will be able to:	
10.01	Define fire propagation.	
10.02	Define smoke generation.	
10.03	Define fire control.	
10.04	Define balloon construction.	
10.05	Define tilt-slab construction.	
10.06	Define post-and-lintel construction.	
10.07	Given a particular occupancy, discuss the likely development of a fire within that type of construction.	
11.0	Define the characteristics of various building materials, with particular regard to fire resistance--The student will be able to:	
11.01	Discuss the fire resistance characteristics of wood frame construction.	
11.02	Discuss the fire resistance characteristics of metal frame construction.	
11.03	Discuss the fire resistance characteristics of masonry construction.	
11.04	Discuss the fire resistance characteristics of concrete construction.	
12.0	Define the characteristics of various building types and occupancies, with particular regard to fire load and resistance--The student will be able to:	
12.01	Define and describe fire load and resistance in assembly occupancies.	
12.02	Define and describe fire load and resistance in educational occupancies.	
12.03	Define and describe fire load and resistance in health care occupancies.	
12.04	Define and describe fire load and resistance in detention and correctional occupancies.	
12.05	Define and describe fire load and resistance in residential occupancies.	
12.06	Define and describe fire load and resistance in mercantile occupancies.	
12.07	Define and describe fire load and resistance in business occupancies.	
12.08	Define and describe fire load and resistance in industrial occupancies.	
12.09	Define and describe fire load and resistance in storage occupancies.	
13.0	Describe principles of fire resistance, fire growth, and the behavior of fire and smoke in buildings--The student will be able to:	
13.01	Define fire resistance.	
13.02	Define fire growth.	
13.03	Define fire spread.	
13.04	Define smoke propagation.	
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of features of matter and energy--The student will be able to:	
14.01	Define the physical properties of matter.	
14.02	Define the physical properties of energy.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of chemical reaction:  oxidation, reduction, and combustion--The student will be able to:	
15.01	Define oxidation.	
15.02	Define reduction.	
15.03	Define combustion.	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the fire tetrahedron and principles of extinguishment--The student will be able to:	
16.01	List and define the four parts of the fire tetrahedron.	
16.02	Discuss the principles of extinguishment.	
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of common elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon--The student will be able to:	
17.01	Define the properties of oxygen.	
17.02	Define the properties of hydrogen.	
17.03	Define the properties of fluorine.	
17.04	Define the properties of chlorine.	
17.05	Define the properties of bromine.	
17.06	Define the properties of phosphorus.	
17.07	Define the properties of sulfur.	
17.08	Define the properties of carbon.	
17.09	Define the properties of oxygen.	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of corrosive materials, i.e. acids and bases--The student will be able to:	
18.01	Define the physical properties of acids.	
18.02	Define the physical properties of bases.	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the path of travel of fire, heat, and smoke--The student will be able to:	
19.01	Describe the path of travel for gasses in a structure.	
19.02	Describe the path of travel for heat and its three modes of transfer in a structure.	
20.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the fire investigator--The student will be able to:	
20.01	Define the role of the fire investigator.	
20.02	Discuss the responsibilities of the fire investigator in terms of state and national standards.	
21.0	Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between accidental and incendiary fire causes--The student will be able to:	
21.01	Define accidental fire causes.	
21.02	Define incendiary fire causes.	
22.0	Demonstrate the ability to recognize and report indicators of the point of origin of a fire--The student will be able to:	
22.01	List indicators of the point of origin of a fire.	
22.02	Identify point of origin indicators.	
	
Course Number:  FFP0661 
Occupational Completion Point:  B
Fire Investigator II – 160 Hours – SOC Codes 33-2021	
23.0	Explain the rule of law as it pertains to arrest, search and seizure procedures and their application to fire investigations.	
24.0	Recognize and interpret fire scenes common to various types of fires.	
25.0	Describe the chemistry of combustion and the relationship of atoms, elements, compounds, and organic compounds on fire.	
26.0	Explain the nature and behavior of fire including the effects of heat.	
27.0	Explain and identify the combustion properties of liquids, gases and solid fuels.	
28.0	Identify and explain electrical causes of fires.	
29.0	List and explain the procedures for lifting fingerprints, evidence collection and preservation.	
30.0	List and identify the make-up and use of incendiary devices, explosives, and bombs.	
31.0	List the procedures for documenting fire scenes, including sketching, photography, and report writing.	
32.0	Analyze fire-related deaths and injuries and describe methods of documentation.	
33.0	Identify the techniques for interviewing and questioning suspects and subjects.	
34.0	Explain the role of the fire investigator in courtroom proceedings including courtroom demeanor and testifying.	
35.0	Identify and list the sources and technology available for fire investigations.	
36.0	Identify and analyze the causes involved in the line of duty firefighter deaths related to structural and wildland firefighting, training and research and the reduction of emergency risks and accidents.	
	
FFP 2630 Latent Investigation	
	
01.0	Describe the proper procedure for fire death investigations.	
02.0	Describe the proper procedure for fire injury investigations.	
03.0	Describing the required reports for fire deaths and injuries investigations.	
04.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of motives for arson.	
05.0	Describe the various motives for arson.	
06.0	Describe the differences between at least three different motives for arson.	
07.0	Describe arson for profit.	
08.0	Describe an arson set.	
09.0	Describe an arson device.	
10.0	Explain the difference between arson sets and devices.	
11.0	Identify the various types of explosives. 	
12.0	Identify various types of chemical and hazardous materials.	
13.0	Identify various types of fire related deaths and injuries.	
14.0	Identify the various types of arson as a crime.	
15.0	Identify safety issues.	
16.0	Identify, examine and understand arson laws.	
17.0	Identify the chain of evidence.	
	
FSFC 407 Arson Investigation	
This course stresses effective crime scene work relative to fire investigation.  Evidence preservation and collection, scene documentation, and investigator safety are main topics.	
NOTE:  Prerequisite: FFP 2243 - Latent Investigation, and a State Certificate of Compliance, Fire Inspector Certification, or Certified Police Officer. 	
	
FSFC 406 Post-Blast Investigation	
This course, following the model curriculum of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, covers crime scene procedures, laboratory procedures, chemical and physical components, and legal issues relative to bombing incidents.	
NOTE:  This course is limited to certified investigators.  Part of Fire Investigator II.	
01.0	Describe an arson scene involving an explosion.	
02.0	Describe the procedures for investigating an explosion scene.	
03.0	Describe how to preserve evidence during an explosion investigation.	
04.0	Describe the legal issues relative to bombings.	
05.0	Describe how a laboratory is used for investigating explosions.	
06.0	Describe what the limitations of laboratories are.	
07.0	Describe what equipment is used in a laboratory.	
08.0	Describe explosive materials.	
09.0	Describe the chemical components of explosive materials.	
10.0	Describe the physical components of explosive materials.	
11.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of arson crime scenes involving explosions.	
12.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of laboratory procedures.	
13.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of the chemical and physical components of explosive materials.   	
	
FFP 2670 Legal Issues for Investigators	
NOTE:  This is a restricted enrollment program.  Applicants must be Certified Law Enforcement, Fire Fighter or Fire Inspector.	
01.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of the Florida Statutes by:	
01.01	Name the applicable State Statutes.	
01.02	Describe the content of the State Statutes.	
01.03	Describe the impact of State Statutes on arson investigations.	
02.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of preparing cases for trial by:	
02.01	Describe how to prepare a case for trial.	
02.02	Describe the stages of trials.	
02.03	Describe arson investigators responsibility in trials.	
03.0	The student will demonstrate an understanding of interview techniques by:	
03.01	Describe and role playing appropriate interviewing techniques.	
03.02	Describe suspect’s rights during interviews.	
03.03	Describe how to properly interview witnesses.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills (if applicable)

In PSAV programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Mathematics 10, Language 10, and Reading 10.  These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01(3)(a), F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91(3), F.S.

Students who possess a college degree at the Associate of Applied Science level or higher; who have completed or are exempt from the college entry-level examination; or who have passed a state, national, or industry licensure exam are exempt from meeting the Basic Skills requirement (Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C.)  Exemptions from state, national or industry licensure are limited to the certifications listed at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/rtf/basicskills-License-exempt.rtf.  

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

In addition to accommodations, some secondary students with disabilities (students with an IEP served in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)) will need modifications to meet their needs.  Modifications change the outcomes or what the student is expected to learn, e.g., modifying the curriculum of a secondary career and technical education course.  Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Some secondary students with disabilities (ESE) may need additional time (i.e., longer than the regular school year), to master the student performance standards associated with a regular Occupational Completion Point (OCP) or a Modified Occupational Completion Point (MOCP).  If needed, a student may enroll in the same career and technical course more than once.  Documentation should be included in the IEP that clearly indicates that it is anticipated that the student may need an additional year to complete an OCP/MOCP.  The student should work on different competencies and new applications of competencies each year toward completion of the OCP/MOCP.  After achieving the competencies identified for the year, the student earns credit for the course.  It is important to ensure that credits earned by students are reported accurately.  The district’s information system must be designed to accept multiple credits for the same course number for eligible students with disabilities.

Articulation

This program has no statewide articulation agreement approved by the Florida State Board of Education.  However, this does not preclude the awarding of credits by any college through local agreements. 

For details on statewide articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications, refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp.