Advanced FFDIC 2026
The Advanced Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Basic FFDIC and is designed for experienced investigators seeking to expand their skills in complex fire death investigations. This intensive program challenges participants with advanced scenarios, emphasizing the integration of forensic science, investigative techniques, and courtroom preparation.
Through case-based learning, realistic exercises, and live interviews, participants will refine their ability to analyze fatal fire scenes, interpret evidence, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary partners. A major component of the course includes preparing investigative findings for courtroom presentation, providing testimony, and withstanding cross-examination in a realistic trial setting.
“Students must bring their own standard field equipment, PPE and field apparel as per their agencies protocol for conducting a fatal fire investigation. If you are not sure what to bring please see our FAQ page. Laptop computers are strongly suggested as all training materials and handouts will be provided on a USB flash drive and each team will have to create a power point presentation at the conclusion of the course. SLOFIST will have shirts and hats available for purchase.” Self Contained Breathing Apparatus are not needed. Students are also welcome to bring (but not required) any investigation tools, vehicles, or equipment they have available to them.
Our video equipment is not compatible with Apple Mac computers. So when your team wants to put together a Power Point Presentation for the last day, your program should be loaded on a PC.
Topics Include:
- Advanced fire scene analysis and victim recovery
- Complex case studies and reconstruction
- Forensic pathology considerations in fire deaths
- Interviewing techniques and suspect/witness dynamics
- Legal aspects of fire death investigations
- Courtroom presentation and expert witness testimony
Audience:
This course is intended for fire investigators, law enforcement officers, medical examiner/coroner staff, and allied professionals who already possess a working knowledge of fire death investigation and seek to elevate their expertise to the next level.
The course fee includes tuition, and all student reference materials (provided electronically), all lunches, and one dinner/mixer (breakfast is provided by the hotel if staying at Embassy Suites).
*Note: materials will not be printed! Laptops (or equivalent) are mandatory.
Credit card payments only (add 3.6% processing fee***Non-refundable!***).
Transportation and Lodging:
The San Luis Obispo County Airport is within ten miles of the training location.
Check-in (lobby area Sunday night and Monday morning) and classroom instruction are located at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The field training site is located near Camp San Luis Obispo (approx 10 min drive), car-pooling is recommended.
Continuing Education Credits:
12 CEUʼs for Emergency Medical Technicians for medical recertification.
Event Information
| Event Date | 06-29-2026 8:00 am |
| Event End Date | 07-03-2026 5:00 pm |
| Course Capacity | 7 |
| Seats Still Available | 5 |
| Individual Price | $2,500.00 |
| Location | Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo |
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. |