Vehicular arson focus of latest training at Orland Fire Protection District
The Orland Fire Protection District hosted an Advanced Vehicle Fire Investigation class offered by the International Association of Arson Investigators, instructed by Special Agent Barry Grimm ATF and Capt. Chris Elrod from the Wilmington North Carolina Fire Department.
The Orland Fire District working in conjunction with the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators secured the necessary salvaged vehicles from Auto Medics Orland Park, IL, West and Sons Towing Addison, IL, State Farm Insurance, and Quad City Salvage Auction (QCSA) Hammond, IN. Without the donations of these businesses this type of class would have not been possible.
Orland Fire District, Fire and Arson Investigators and members of the IL-Chapter of the IAAI worked with the instructors to develop 11 vehicle fire scenarios for the students to determine the origin and cause of the vehicle fires during the practical portion of this advanced class. During the preparation for this class a pre-burn of the vehicles was conducted.
“The Orland Fire Protection District remains committed to train and continually educate its personnel to ensure the safety of each other and the residents we serve," said OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki. " This is a testament to the experience of our personnel not only in the region but the state and national level as well. We have a very active origin and cause team that investigates every fire in the District and within our division.”
The vehicles were set on fire using different methods to simulate mechanical malfunctions as well as incendiary causes of fire. Students from across the Untied States and Canada converged on Orland Park to attend this class. Students consisted of municipal and private fire investigators, Insurance claims representatives, and Mechanical and Electrical Engineers from General Motors and Chrysler Automotive.
For there assistance with providing and the preparation of this advanced class, 4 Orland Fire Protection District Fire and Arson investigators attended this class free of charge.
(Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District. Visit their website at www.OrlandFire.org for more details and information.)
