Investigations

Montgomery Fire/Rescue Bureau of Investigations is a Law Enforcement Team with the responsibility to investigate fires involving loss of life, criminal activity or multiple alarm fires. Internal Affairs, pre-employment background investigations, and nightclub inspections are also duties of the Bureau of Investigations. Each member of the Investigations Unit has graduated from the Montgomery Police Academy, attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the Alabama State Fire College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Each member is required to attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia where they study advanced arson investigation while completing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms National Academy.

Mission Statement

The Bureau of Fire Investigations will strive to accurately determine the cause of all working fires within the City of Montgomery. We will provide accurate findings to determine the exact cause of accidental fires as well as incendiary ones. We will keep current on product liability issues and report faulty or defective products that cause fires to the Consumer Protection Agency.

We will vigorously prosecute criminals who intentionally damage property by fire. We will effectively and efficiently arrest criminals involved in fires ensuring the general public

and the Citizens of Montgomery are safe from such criminals. We will provide accurate testimony in court to relate the facts concerning the incident to the court and jury. We will assist all victims of fire in fire prevention issues to prevent future fires. We will thoroughly screen and interview candidates for employment with Montgomery Fire/Rescue to ensure that the most qualified applicants are employed with the Department. We will orient candidates of the Fire Academy to relate their responsibilities to ensure they are familiar with what is expected of them. We will thoroughly investigate Internal Affairs matters within the Department as directed by the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief. We will remain neutral and unbiased regarding the investigation to establish the facts that surround the incident. We will provide an accurate summary and all investigative findings of the investigation to the Deputy Chief or Fire Chief.

We will faithfully carry out all other duties and assignments given by the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief to make the Department run in an efficient and professional manner.

Internal Affairs Division

Montgomery Fire/Rescue requires all of its members to conduct themselves in a manner that will not reflect criticism on the Department or the City of Montgomery. The extremely high standards set by the department ensure that the quality of fire protection to our citizens is second to none.

Night Club Inspections

The owners of nightclub establishments have the responsibility to maintain a safe environment for our citizens while they are in operation. It is the responsibility of the Montgomery Fire/Rescue to enforce the Fire Codes to ensure the owners are maintaining a safe environment.

If the owner of a nightclub allows their establishment to exceed the posted occupancy load, then they are violating the NFPA Fire Codes. In addition to violating the Fire Code, the owners are endangering the life of every occupant in their establishment.

Several nightclub fires around the world, including the United States, have killed hundreds of people that were just out having a good time. When a nightclub is over crowded it is UNSAFE. People in a crowded environment panic if a fire is discovered which causes confusion and disorientation.

If a nightclub becomes overcrowded during an emergency such as a fire, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to pass through an exit that is only required for the legal occupancy load. It is very important, for the owner of the establishment to maintain a legal occupancy load at all times. All nightclub businesses are required to post their legal occupancy load Occupancy Sign. Our investigators routinely inspect nightclubs to insure that the citizens of Montgomery are being kept safe.

Tips on Fire Safety in Nightclubs:

When you enter a nightclub familiarize yourself with ALL exit locations, not just the one you entered.

Locate the Occupancy Sign posted by the Fire Marshal's Office. If anytime you feel the establishment is overcrowded and unsafe, exit the building.

If an emergency arises remain calm and walk to an exit. DO NOT PANIC!

Any additional questions you may have contact the Fire Marshall’s Office at (334)-241-2916.

Contacts

You can reach an Internal Affairs Officer with the Montgomery Fire/Rescue at: (334)-241-2250 or (334)-241-2612 Montgomery's Arson Investigators are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have information concerning any crime involving fire, contact a Montgomery Fire Investigator at (334)-241-2612 or (334)-241-2020.