The team follows a systematic approach to investigation fire scenes to ensure consistency and accuracy when investigating.  Although each incident has it's own unique factors, the team will complete at a minimum:

1. Initial Response and Scene Safety: The first task is to ensure the area is secure and safe for investigation.
2. Preliminary Examination: Investigators conduct a preliminary examination to assess the extent of the damage and identify potential evidence.
3. Documenting the Fire Scene: This involves taking photographs, videos, and detailed notes to create a comprehensive record of the scene.
4. Evidence Collection and Preservation: Collecting and preserving physical evidence, such as debris, burn patterns, and any potential accelerants, is crucial.
5. Interviewing Witnesses: Gathering testimonies from witnesses and first responders can provide valuable insights into the fire’s origin and progression.
6. Analysis of Findings: Investigators analyze the collected evidence and data to determine the fire’s cause and origin.
7. Reporting and Presenting Findings: Finally, a detailed report is prepared, summarizing the investigation’s findings and conclusions.

The Sheboygan County Fire Investigation Unit works very closely with both local law enforcement agencies to assist with criminal acts such as arson.  The team also cooperates with insurance companies and will often work with other fire investigators from insurance companies to ensure a proper cause and origin is determined.  The Sheboygan County Fire Investigation Unit is requested by the Fire Chief or Law Enforcement Agency that has jurisdiction where the incident occurred.  The unit will also respond if requested through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).

The Sheboygan County Fire Investigation Unit has a fully equipped response vehicle that is set up to respond within minutes after being requested.

Ultimately, fire safety is the number one goal of the Fire Investigation Unit and to help educate the public to help prevent fires from ever occurring.  The following is a list of common causes of fires that are investigated by this unit:

1. Cooking: The leading cause of home fires, often due to unattended cooking.
2. Heating Equipment: Space heaters and other heating devices can cause fires if not used properly.
3. Electrical and Lighting: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning electrical equipment are significant fire hazards.
4. Smoking Materials: Cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials are a leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.
5. Intentional/Arson: Deliberately set fires account for a notable percentage of residential fires.
6. Candles: Unattended or improperly placed candles can easily ignite nearby flammable materials.
7. Combustible Dust: In industrial settings, dust from materials like wood, grain, and metals can ignite and cause explosions.

If you have any questions about the team, please reach out to Sheboygan Fire Department Division Chief of Fire Prevention and Inspection Nicholas Noster at nicholas.noster@sheboyganwi.gov or 920-459-3321.