Seminar Title
Fatal Fire Investigation
Dates of Events
01/25/2027 through 01/26/2027
Last Updated: 07/21/2026
Instructor(s): Scott Campau
Location: Sandy City Police Department - 10000 South Centennial Parkway, Sandy, UT 84070
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City/Sandy - 277 W. Sego Lily Drive, Sandy, UT 84070
Course Registration Fee: $325
Instructor Bio
Scott Campau
Scott Campau; IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, ABMDI-D
Scott graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science with focus on Investigations. Scott began a career in the fire service in 2002. In 2014 he became a Law Enforcement Officer and promoted to Fire Investigator. Since then, he has investigated 550+ fires in both public and private investigations.
In 2008 he began working as a Medical Examiner Investigator and has investigated 1000+ deaths including deployments to New York City and Lahaina wildfires with the federal Victim Information Center team.
Scott’s professional goal is to become a subject matter expert in fatal fire investigations and share this knowledge through instruction, consulting, and investigating.
Scott Campau; IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, ABMDI-D
Scott graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science with focus on Investigations. Scott began a career in the fire service in 2002. In 2014 he became a Law Enforcement Officer and promoted to Fire Investigator. Since then, he has investigated 550+ fires in both public and private investigations.
In 2008 he began working as a Medical Examiner Investigator and has investigated 1000+ deaths including deployments to New York City and Lahaina wildfires with the federal Victim Information Center team.
Scott’s professional goal is to become a subject matter expert in fatal fire investigations and share this knowledge through instruction, consulting, and investigating.
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
Investigating a fire fatality is among the most complex and challenging scenes an investigator will encounter. Fire fatalities introduce unique investigative obstacles due to the infrequency of such cases, the intense scrutiny involved, and the high-stress environment. This two-day course equips investigators with the knowledge, skills, and methodology to prepare for, manage, and follow up on fire scenes involving fatalities.
Participants will learn to work collaboratively with multiple agencies, including Medical Examiner/Coroner investigators, police detectives, and other entities, ensuring a coordinated, thorough, and well-managed investigation. Real-life examples and case studies will provide practical insight into effective scene management and investigative strategies.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Enhance skills in scene processing and evidence collection while safely working around the body
Understand the roles and responsibilities of multiple agencies involved in fatal fire investigations
Interpret fire effects on the body and understand how the body contributes to fire dynamics
Prepare for fire fatalities through preplanning, crew training, and establishing interagency relationships
Implement a team approach to fatal fire investigations for improved outcomes
Apply legal considerations relevant to fire scene investigations
Handle evidence processing and collection with precision
Manage unique fire scenes, including mass fatalities, child deaths, and vehicle-related fire fatalities
Collaborate effectively with the Medical Examiner/Coroner’s office during autopsies and follow-up
Apply practical strategies and investigative techniques to a wide range of fatal fire scenarios
Participants will learn to work collaboratively with multiple agencies, including Medical Examiner/Coroner investigators, police detectives, and other entities, ensuring a coordinated, thorough, and well-managed investigation. Real-life examples and case studies will provide practical insight into effective scene management and investigative strategies.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Enhance skills in scene processing and evidence collection while safely working around the body
Understand the roles and responsibilities of multiple agencies involved in fatal fire investigations
Interpret fire effects on the body and understand how the body contributes to fire dynamics
Prepare for fire fatalities through preplanning, crew training, and establishing interagency relationships
Implement a team approach to fatal fire investigations for improved outcomes
Apply legal considerations relevant to fire scene investigations
Handle evidence processing and collection with precision
Manage unique fire scenes, including mass fatalities, child deaths, and vehicle-related fire fatalities
Collaborate effectively with the Medical Examiner/Coroner’s office during autopsies and follow-up
Apply practical strategies and investigative techniques to a wide range of fatal fire scenarios