Why West Metro Fire Investigates Fires
The Colorado Revised Statutes require that every fire occurring within the jurisdiction is investigated “to determine whether the fire was the result of carelessness or design”. The identification of the causes of fires can help in the reduction of property loss, fire injuries and fire deaths.

Investigator Training
West Metro Fire Investigators are trained to determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Investigators work closely with Lakewood Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Bureau of investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Investigators that are POST-certified peace officers are sanctioned by the Jefferson County Sheriff and follow their cases from the initial response to the fire through the origin and cause investigation to the filing of charges and prosecution of arson offenders.  All Investigators are Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators through the National Association of Fire Investigators and many are certified as Fire Investigation Technicians through the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Investigators are Educators
Investigators also participate in public education within the schools and juvenile firesetter intervention classes in conjunction with the Office of the District Attorney. They are often called upon to assist neighboring agencies with fire investigations and present classroom and live fire investigation training for fire and police recruits. Background/pre-employment investigations are conducted by the Investigators.