Fire Investigations

Cobb County’s first fire investigation unit was formed in conjunction with building inspections under the newly formed Fire Marshal’s Office in 1968. Today, the fire investigation unit consists of (5) full time investigators. The unit investigates on average between 300- 325 fires annually. All investigators are certified fire investigators, firefighters, and peace officers. Investigators are on call 24-hours a day 365 days a year to respond outside of their normal office hours. Cobb Fire Investigators are responsible for investigating all suspicious and non-suspicious fires where a cause cannot readily be determined by on scene personnel. This responsibility also includes fires resulting in injury and/or death. We also work closely with the Fire Marshal’s Office, Public Fire & Life Safety Education Division and the Juvenile Fire Setter’s Program to identify and eliminate potential life safety hazards. We are active members of the Metro Arson Task Force, Metro Fire Investigators Association and the Georgia Fire Investigators Association.

According to the United States Fire Administration, the United States has a severe fire problem, more so than is generally perceived. Nationally, there are millions of fires, thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and billions of dollar loss - which makes the U.S. fire problem one of great national importance. Between 1996 and 2005, an average of 3,932 Americans lost their lives and another 20,928 were injured annually as the result of fire.

USFA Arson Fire Statistics

• An estimated 31,500 intentionally set structure fires occurred in 2005.
• Intentionally set fires in structures resulted in 315 civilian deaths.
• Intentionally set structure fires also resulted in $664,000,000 in property loss.
• 21,000 intentionally set vehicle fires occurred, a decrease of 41.7% from a year ago, and caused $113,000,000 in property damage, a decrease of 31.5% from a year ago.

The crime of arson is one of the most costly human-made disasters. Arson indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased costs of fire services. We need your help to combat this serious crime. If you have any information regarding any fire related crimes, please contact the Cobb County Fire Investigations Unit.

Cobb Fire Investigations:
1595 County Services Parkway Marietta, Georgia 30008
Phone: (770) 499-3869 Fax: (770) 499-3861
Email: Chief Fire Investigator Rodney Sanders

GEORGIA ARSON HOT LINE: 1-800-282-5804



Squad

This is a water rescue performed on 12/31/2004 by the Squad team, on the Chattahoochee River close to Chatthoochee National Park. Members present were:

Lt. Steve Bentley

Eng. Neal Stewart

FF. John Reddy

FF. Robert Hiller

FF. Willie McCluskey

Special Operational Units

Public Safety Mobile Command Unit (900)




CCFES Medical Operations Unit (MedOps)