Chillicothe

The Fire Investigation Bureau is responsible for determining the cause and origin of fires that occur within the city of Chillicothe.

The Ohio Revised Code requires that the cause of all fires be determined and the collected data be filed with the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal via the Ohio Fire Incident Reporting System. This data helps to establish trends and find potential defective products so those issues can be resolved and prevent further fires. 

All fires in the City of Chillicothe are investigated by our personnel. If the company officer on the scene of a fire feels that he or she is unable to accurately determine the cause of the fire, an investigator from our Investigations Bureau is brought in to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Should the fire be determined to be a criminal act, they will continue with the investigation and file charges where appropriate.

The investigators of the Chillicothe Fire Department are appointed by Ordinance of the City Council, and have police power (including arrest) under the Ohio Revised Code Section 737.27, but only regarding violation of the law as they relate to fire. They also are authorized to issue subpoenas, compel testimony, and place witnesses under oath along with other various powers and authorities.