Fire Investigation

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:71-3.3(a)25, the Fire Marshal/Fire Official shall investigate or cause to be investigated all reported fires or explosions occuring within the jurisdiction of the Local Enforcing Agency to determine the origin and cause of said fire or explosion.

The West Milford Fire Bureau conducts the origin and cause investigations of fires within the Township of West Milford. Investigations are conducted by the Fire Marshal with assistance from the Fire Bureau Inspectors. The Fire Marshal works closely with the West Milford Police Department Detective Bureau, The Passaic County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, and The New Jersey State Fire Marshals Office Arson Unit, and the ATF. 

All staff that are involved in the fire investigations are trained in Basic Fire Investigation by the International Association of Arson Investigators or the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice. Some of our staff hold advanced fire investigation training and certifications such as: Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigators which are national certifications issued by the National Association of Fire Investigators.