Advanced FFDIC 2026

Advanced-Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course

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.

 You must have attended a previous FFDIC to be eligible to attend this course!
 

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.

 Pool cameras will be provided for each team, however you are welcome to being your own camera that is SD card capable.
 

“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. 

 

 Booking Link

 

Booking Link Coming soon

Room Cost:

224.00 per night + Taxes + $12.00 parking per night

Rate Start date: June 28th
Rate End date: July 3rd
Last day to book: TBD

 Booking Code

 "TBD"

Hotel Name:

Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo

Hotel Address:

333 Madonna Road

San Luis Obispo, CA. 93405

 Book By TBD
   

Phone Number:

(805) 549-0800

Continuing Education Credits:

12 CEUʼs for Emergency Medical Technicians for medical recertification.

California attendees: FFDIC is California POST Plan IV Certified (Control #2440-30183-22001). POST will reimburse qualified agencies for subsistence, commuter lunch, and travel.

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 Checkin

Students can check in early Sunday evening in the Hotel Lobby

Mon 7am-8am

Check in

Student check-in for those who did not check in on Sunday evening

Mon 8AM-5PM

Course Start

The FFDIC class room will commence in the designated Hotel Conference Room. Lunch provided in the classroom at 12PM.

Tues 8AM-12PM

Travel to training grounds

Students will travel to field training grounds to view demo burns

Tues 12PM-5PM

Travel to Classroom

Students will travel to the Embassy Suites classroom. Lunch provided in the atrium Classroom instruction continues

Tues 5:30PM

Student Mixer/Dinner

Student/staff mixer with dinner provided.

Wed 8AM-12PM

Classroom

Classroom instruction continues

Wed 12PM-5PM

Travel to Training grounds

Students will travel to the training grounds. Lunch provided in the field Field scenarios will begin.

Thurs 8AM-5PM

Field Scenarios

Field scenarios continue. Lunch provided in the field.

Friday 8AM-5PM

Testing/Presentations

Students will complete the final exam and give a presentation on their scenario.