FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT
The Mantua-Shalersville Fire District Board approved the establishment of a Fire Investigation Unit in January 1990. The FIU conducts thorough examinations of fire scenes with the purpose of determining the cause and origin of the fire and then, when present, finding the responsible parties. The Ohio Fire Code requires each and every fire to be investigated.
The FIU is called to investigate fires of suspicious nature, fires where arson is suspected, fires where death(s) occurred, fires where the cause(s) cannot be readily determined, and to other fires and fire related incidents as required.
The FIU routinely investigates 8 - 15 fire scenes per year. During these investigations, fire samples and charred evidence is submitted to the Ohio Fire Marshall’s Arson Crime Lab in Columbus. Through the use of forensic analysis, chemicals and accelerants are identified in items such as flooring, furniture, and any other item that has ignited.
Detailed investigation reports are completed and maintained in a secured filing system. When identified, persons responsible for the ignition of fires are prosecuted through the Portage County court system.
In addition, to Fire Scene Investigation, Juvenile Fire setter’s education is available to children up to the age of 16 years of age to eliminate fire setting curiosity and activity.
