Fire Investigation

The first step in preventing fires is understanding how they start.

Fire loss statistics are the primary tool used to identify or improve programs aimed at reducing fire losses. Whether to improve the safety of consumer products like child resistant lighters, to identify new regulations for building construction, to develop training programs for fire fighters or for developing public education programs, the information gained from fire reports is critical to fire loss reduction programs.

In Saskatchewan every fire must be reported. These statistics are so critical to improving fire loss reduction programs that it is mandatory in Saskatchewan for every Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner to investigate and report the origin, cause and circumstances surrounding every fire that occurs in their jurisdiction. Fire Prevention Officers are available to assist Local Assistants in investigating a fire loss.

Certain fires hold special interest. Local Assistants are required to report these fires to the Fire Commissioner within 24 hours. These fires include any fire:

• Resulting in death or serious injury to a civilian or fire fighter. 
• Where the fire is, in the opinion of the Local Assistant, of suspicious origin or circumstance. 
• Where the property is owned, leased or otherwise occupied by a provincial government agency.