Fire Prevention – Investigations

The Fire Prevention Section, with assistance from Operations Section personnel, also performs an initial investigation of the origin and cause of all fires occurring in the County, to determine whether arson was involved, whether a careless act caused the fire, or whether any fire suppression or detection system failed. The department is required to perform this initial investigation pursuant to Chapter 69A-62 of the Florida Administrative Code. In the case of fires caused by criminal acts, the case is referred to law enforcement investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and/or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Fire Prevention staff members will then assist those agencies as needed to resolve the case.