The Spokane Valley Fire Department conducts investigations to determine the origin and cause of all fires that occur within department boundaries. Fire investigators also assist neighboring jurisdictions when requested.  Fire investigators are trained in the origin and cause determination of fires, photography, scene documentation, evidence collection, interview and interrogation, report writing, courtroom testimony, and attend continued training throughout their career.  Fire investigators are expected to obtain certification with one or more various credentialing bodies after reaching minimum qualifications for certification.

Several Spokane Valley Fire Department fire investigators hold a Special Deputy Commission I from the Spokane County Sheriff. These fire investigators have attended a minimum of a reserve law enforcement academy and hold police powers to conduct criminal investigations of those fires determined intentionally caused, make arrests and refer cases to the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Spokane Valley Fire Department fire investigators work closely with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty Lake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the Washington State Patrol.

A fire investigator is on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available to respond to a fire when requested.

To request a copy of a non-criminal fire investigation report, please download the public records request form here.

To request a copy of a criminal fire investigation report, please contact the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.