2027 FFDIC-Basic
Course Overview
The Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course (FFDIC) provides advanced instruction in the systematic investigation of fire-related fatalities. Students will develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to properly investigate, document, preserve, and process fatal fire scenes using current investigative practices and forensic science.
Throughout the course, participants will learn a structured approach to fire death investigations—from the initial response through scene documentation, evidence collection, victim recovery, and interagency coordination. Classroom instruction is reinforced with realistic hands-on training using human cadavers, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to apply investigative principles in real-world scenarios.
Students will also explore how modern technology, forensic anthropology, fire dynamics, pathology, and other scientific disciplines contribute to determining the origin, cause, and circumstances surrounding fire-related deaths
What You will Learn
Students will gain practical knowledge and experience in:
- Fire death scene preservation
- Duties of responding fire personnel
- Duties of responding law enforcement
- Systematic death scene investigations
- Evidence documentation and collection
- Team-based death investigations
- Determining cause and manner of death
- Roadside body dump and burn investigations
- Time-of-death estimation
- Burned vehicle investigations
- Burned structure investigations
- Antemortem vs. postmortem burn injuries
- Biological evidence associated with fire deaths
- Current forensic technologies used in fatal fire investigations
Hands-On Training
FFDIC is designed to provide students with extensive practical experience.
Training includes:
- Hands-on processing of realistic fire death scenes
- Human cadaver recovery and documentation
- Evidence recognition and collection
- Team-based investigative exercises
- Scene photography and documentation
- Final investigative presentations
Students will also develop valuable working relationships with professionals from multiple disciplines including fire service, law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, forensic anthropologists, and crime scene investigators.
Student Equipment Requirements
Students are required to bring:
- Laptop computer (Windows recommended)
- Power cord and charging equipment
- Standard field investigation equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Field apparel appropriate for fatal fire investigations
- Agency-issued equipment normally used during investigations
If you are unsure what equipment to bring, please refer to the Student FAQ.
Important Information
- All course materials, handouts, and examinations are provided electronically.
- Printed student manuals will not be provided.
- Each student team will prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation during the final day of the course.
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are not required.
- Students are welcome to bring additional investigative equipment, tools, or response vehicles if available through their agency.
Apple Computer Users
Our classroom presentation system is optimized for Windows-based computers.
Students using Apple Mac computers should ensure their PowerPoint presentations can be transferred and presented from a Windows computer.
Who Should Attend
FFDIC is intended for professionals directly involved in fatal fire investigations, including:
- Fire Investigators
- Detectives
- Coroners
- Medical Examiners
- Crime Scene Investigators
Private investigators and non-sworn personnel are not eligible to attend.
Tuition Includes
Your registration includes:
- Five days of professional instruction
- All electronic student reference materials
- Daily lunch
- Instructor handouts
- One hosted networking dinner/mixer
Laptop computers (or equivalent devices) are mandatory.
Registration Information
- Credit card payments only
- A 3.6% credit card processing fee applies
- Registration fees are non-refundable
Hotel & Travel Information
Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo
333 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
Phone: (805) 549-0800
Hotel Rate
- $242.00 per night
- $12.00 per night parking
- Applicable taxes additional
Reservation Information
- Booking Code: 90S
- Rate Valid: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Reserve By: May 30, 2026 (or as updated by the hotel)
A booking link will be provided to registered students.
Training Locations
Classroom Instruction
Embassy Suites Hotel
San Luis Obispo, California
Field Training
Camp San Luis Obispo area
Approximately 10 minutes from the hotel.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Airport
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is located approximately 10 miles from the training venue.
Continuing Education Credits
FFDIC may qualify for continuing education credit.
- Up to 12 CEUs for Emergency Medical Technician recertification (subject to approval).
- California POST Plan IV Certified
- Control Number: 2440-30183-22001
- Eligible California agencies may qualify for POST reimbursement for travel, meals, and subsistence.
Course Philosophy
FFDIC combines proven investigative methodology, modern forensic science, and realistic scenario-based training to prepare investigators to confidently process fatal fire scenes, preserve critical evidence, collaborate across disciplines, and produce legally defensible investigations.
Event Information
| Event Date | 06-28-2027 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Registration Start Date | 08-02-2026 8:00 am |
| Cancel Before Date | 06-01-2027 8:00 am |
| Course Capacity | 60 |
| Seats Still Available | 60 |
| Individual Price | $2,300.00 |
| Location | Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo |
| Attachment |
2026 FFDIC Welcome Letter.pdf
FFDIC Brochure for 2026.pdf |
Agendas
| Sun 7pm-9PM |
Early Registration CheckinStudents can check in early Sunday evening in the Hotel Lobby |
| Mon 7am-8am |
Check inStudent check-in for those who did not check in on Sunday evening |
| Mon 8AM-5PM |
Course StartThe FFDIC class room will commence in the designated Hotel Conference Room. Lunch provided in the classroom at 12PM. |
| Tues 8AM-12PM |
Travel to training groundsStudents will travel to field training grounds to view demo burns |
| Tues 12PM-5PM |
Travel to ClassroomStudents will travel to the Embassy Suites classroom. Lunch provided in the atrium Classroom instruction continues |
| Tues 5:30PM |
Student Mixer/DinnerStudent/staff mixer with dinner provided. |
| Wed 8AM-12PM |
ClassroomClassroom instruction continues |
| Wed 12PM-5PM |
Travel to Training groundsStudents will travel to the training grounds. Lunch provided in the field Field scenarios will begin. |
| Thurs 8AM-5PM |
Field ScenariosField scenarios continue. Lunch provided in the field. |
| Friday 8AM-5PM |
Testing/PresentationsStudents will complete the final exam and give a presentation on their scenario. |
Speakers
Patrick Wills
Supervising Investigator
Long Beach Fire/ATF Arson Unit; Investigator Training Officer Long Beach CA Retired
Randy Champion, DBA
Fire Prevention Captain (Retired)
Fire Prevention Captain (Retired). Fire Investigator, CCAI-C Champion Fire Investiga-tions (CA-PI189072).
Dr. Eric Barterlink
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Anthropologist Chico State University, Chico
Dr. Robert Kimsey
Forensic Entomologist
Department of Entomology University of California, Davis
Rebecca Behrens-D-ABMDI
Deputy Coroner
Yolo County Sheriff-Coroner Office, Woodland CA
Robert K. James Jr.
Deputy coroner/Medicolegal Death Investigator
Lake Count Coroner’s Office, Waukegan, IL
Ticket Information
| Seat Type | Price | Seats Still Available |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire/CalFire All fire service fire investigators including CalFire Law Enforcement |
$2,300.00 | 20 |
|
Police All Law Enforcement Detectives |
$2,300.00 | 20 |
|
Coroner For all law enforcement who have coroner as their primary duty. |
$2,300.00 | 20 |