"Learning is not compulsory but neither is survival."
W. Edwards Deming

Phoenix personnel are constantly striving to improve their skills, enhance their knowledge and stay current on industry advancements.

Phoenix Fire Investigations is a recognized proctor for Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) for National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). In August of 1983, NAFI recognized the need for an accepted method and standard of evaluating the qualifications of individuals who are conducting Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigations and therefore the CFEI program was developed as an internationally recognized certification.

Phoenix owner and senior invesitgator, Richard Playfair, is actively involved in advancing the field of fire investigations and is responsible for the Fire Investigation Sciences program offered through Durham College in Oshawa. The fall semster is about to begin, see below for complete details.

Physiology, Means and Opportunity Level II - April 21-May 5
When investigating on behalf of an insurance agency there are timelines, terminology, required paperwork, and proper procedures that must be followed. This course outlines what the insurance agency’s role in the overall investigation is, how to approach home-owners who have been affected by fire loss while working on behalf of the company and the structure that is place for insurance investigations. Moreover, this course also explorers the requirements of the investigator in court including how to conduct yourself, proper preparation and understand the legal proceedings. Click here to learn more

Professional Qualifications and Report Writing - May 12-June 9
When the investigation comes to a close your final report is what the client or your employer is interested in. It needs to be clear, concise and thorough. It needs to include all your sketches, notes, diagrams, origin and cause determination, forms and reports, weather reports, photographs, and much more. This course instructs the future investigator on how to complete a final report by letting them compose a complete report from start to finish. Additionally, this course covers the required standards and qualifications of a fire scene investigator as laid out in NFPA 1033: Standard For Professional Qualifications For Fire Investigator. Click here to learn more

Chemistry and Behaviour of Fire - TBA
This module will set the foundation and prepares you with the knowledge and methodology of basic chemistry of fire, in addition to fire behaviour. Topics include stages of fire, types of heat sources, heat transmission fire growth and explosion investigations. It is recommended that you complete this course first in order to understand the basics of Fire Investigations. Click here to learn more

Fire Scene Safety and The Investigator - TBA
You will explore the safety requirements such as personal protection that relates to legislation and emergency services. It is designed to provide you with topics of safety requirements, personal safety equipment, fire scene procedures and structural safety considerations. Click here to learn more

Tools and Resources of the Investigator - TBA
This module will give you hands on applications of the tools used by the Investigator. Topics include Hydrocarbon Analyzer, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, hand tools, books, forms and resources used in investigations. Click here to learn more

Fire Scene Protection - TBA
This module prepares you in the field of Fire Scene Protection. It provides guidance in the process of Scene Security, documentation, continuity of evidence, securing the fire scene and much more. Click here to learn more

Fire Scene Documentation and Diagramming - TBA
When presenting evidence in court, Fire Investigators are often called upon to produce documentation and diagrams of the fire scene. This course will provide you with the proper documentation rules and also how to produce explicit diagrams for the court to understand. Click here to learn more

Professional Qualifications/Report Writing - TBA
You will gain an in-depth knowledge to help you in pursuing a career in Fire Scene Safety. Topics include assisting the Fire Investigator, scene analysis, identification of evidence, structural measurements and incendiary identification. Click here to learn more

Origin and Cause Determination Level I - TBA
This specialized module will introduce you to the field of Fire Investigation, methods and procedures of scene damage assessment, investigation process, identification of evidence, electrical, mechanical and structural analysis.
Click here to learn more

Origin and Cause Determination Level II - TBA
A comprehensive examination of the second half of NFPA 921: A Guide For Fire And Explosion Investigations further expands the future investigators knowledge of fire scene assessment; covering such topics as building services, wild land fire investigations, vehicle fires and much more. Upon the successful completion of this course the future investigator can rest comfortably in knowing they have studied and understood NFPA 921: A Guide For Fire And Explosion Investigations in its entirety. Click here to learn more

Fire Scene Photography and Evidence Collection - TBA
Without properly understanding how to photography a fire scene or collect crucial evidence an investigator can quickly and easily jeopardize the outcome of the investigation. Throughout this course the future investigator will be involved in numerous hands on exercises to document, photography, collect and analyze a variety of evidence in a magnitude of environments. Click here to learn more