Investigating Youth Set Fires - 9.10-11.25 PA
Abington Township Fire Marshal's Office
Dates: September 10–11, 2025
Location: Abington Township Public Safety Training Center
2200 Florey Ln, Abington, PA 19001
Schedule:
• September 10, 2025: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• September 11, 2025: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Course Overview:
Investigating Youth Set Fires is a 12-hour training course designed to provide fire and law enforcement investigators with the specific tools and knowledge needed to effectively investigate fires set by juveniles. The course addresses the legal rights of minors, interviewing and interrogation techniques tailored to developmental stages, and the creation of comprehensive case files that support prosecution or intervention.
This course emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach that includes fire investigators, law enforcement, juvenile justice professionals, and prosecutors to ensure effective and ethical investigation and intervention.
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
Questions?
Contact: IAAI-Training@firearson.com
*All IAAI training offerings are subject to change or cancellation.