Investigating Youth Set Fires - 10.21-22.2026 TX
McKinney Fire Department
Dates: October 21-22, 2026
Location: 2100 Taylor-Burk Dr,
McKinney, TX 75071
Schedule:
• October 21, 2026: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• October 22, 2026: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Course Overview:
Investigating Youth-Set Fires is a 1½-day course designed to equip law enforcement officers and fire investigators with the specialized knowledge and skills required to effectively investigate and identify youth involved in fire-setting incidents.
Participants will explore the complexities of investigating fires where youth behavior may be a causal or contributing factor. The course provides an in-depth look at scene examination techniques specific to youth-set fires, methods for interviewing juveniles who may have participated in ignition, and the systems-level issues that influence these investigations. Key topics include the legal rights of juveniles, age-appropriate interviewing and interrogation strategies, and the development of comprehensive case files suitable for criminal prosecution or referral for non-criminal interventions.
Emphasizing a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, the program brings together fire investigators, law enforcement, juvenile justice professionals, and prosecutors. Through this team-based model, participants will gain practical investigative tools and the framework to apply them effectively within their own jurisdictions.
Student Learning Objectives:
• Explain the developmental factors and motivations commonly associated with youth fire-setting behavior.
• Identify and apply appropriate legal considerations when investigating juvenile-set fires.
• Conduct age-appropriate interviews and interrogations using accepted techniques.
• Develop complete and legally sound case files suitable for court proceedings or diversionary programs.
• Describe the roles and contributions of various professionals in a multidisciplinary team response.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to enhance investigative outcomes and intervention strategies.
Key Topics Include:
• Juvenile legal rights in fire investigations
• Age-appropriate communication strategies
• Building prosecutable or referral-based case files
• Interdisciplinary cooperation and team models
Pre-Requisites:
• Introduction to Youth-Set Fires
• Legal Aspects of Investigating Youth-Set Fires
Course Fees:
IAAI-Member $375; IAAI-Non-Member $555
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations received 31 days or more prior to the course start date are eligible for a full refund of the registration fee.
Cancellations received within 30 days of the course start date are non-refundable.
Registrants who are unable to attend may, at the discretion of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), substitute another eligible individual from the same organization, provided written notice is received prior to the course start date.
Failure to attend a course without prior written cancellation (no-shows) will not be eligible for a refund.
All IAAI courses are subject to cancellation or postponement at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible.
Notice: Photos and testimonials collected during this course may be used for IAAI promotional purposes, including the website and social media.
Questions?
Contact: IAAI-Training@firearson.com
*All IAAI training offerings are subject to change or cancellation.