Investigators hone skills in unique arson training course

PEWAUKEE -- Dozens trained in a special arson class at Waukesha County Technical College. Brian Dorow, the Dean of Criminal Justice says it's the only one of its kind offered through The National Fire Academy in Maryland. Here, firefighters learn how to determine whether arson helped a blaze burn.

Lessons are taught in the classroom and put into practice in the field as part of a two-week course.

Two separate fires are set -- one using lighter fluid and the other using paper. Both methods engulf a two-room structure in about 75 seconds.

What's left is singed debris and charred remains to be investigated to determine whether arson is to blame. When the flames dissipate and smoke subsides, students from across the state take turns inspecting the damage, being careful not to destroy or damage anything that could provide insight into the blaze.

The burn results are more concentrated and intense for the lighter fluid than the paper lit blaze. It's knowledge that can mean the difference between stopping a fire and also stopping a criminal.

Milwaukee first responders used the same skills the students learned in the classroom in the field on June 13th when investigating a non-fatal blaze near Hampton and 89th Street.

Witnesses told FOX6 News a woman intentionally set her bed on fire in an upper unit and walked away from the building. The fire caused $20,000 in damage to the building.

This is the fourth year WCTC has held the arson training class. This year, 60 applied and only 28 were selected in a competitive process to ensure there are qualified arson investigators across the state.