Charleston Fire to host two-day course on fire-death and arson investigations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Fire Department will host a two-day course focused on fire-related deaths and strategy for investigating and prosecuting arson cases.

Classes will be held at Trident Technical College’s downtown campus (66 Columbus Street) on August 21 and 22. It is designed for fire marshals, arson, homicide, coroners, and forensic investigators, prosecutors, and medicolegal death investigators.

Those who attend the two-day course will gain insight into the causes of fire-related deaths and explore in-depth strategies for investigating and prosecuting arson cases.

Charleston Fire officials said a fire-related death happens every three hours in the United States, adding that critical mistakes can happen during dual fire death and arson investigations.

“This course will present advanced investigative techniques and methodologies, reinforced by case study analyses from subject matter experts specializing in fatal fire, homicide, and forensic investigations,” the agency said.

Guest speaker Elayne Pope will provide an in-depth look at the effects of fire and burn patterns on human remains, along with methods for identifying pre-existing trauma.

The course will also address court preparation strategies for fire-related death cases and help equip investigators with the tools and knowledge needed for successful prosecution.

Those interested can register online through www.investigativeconceptsllc.com. It will cost $350 per attendee, and the fee includes course material and certification.