About
Since its inception in October 2000, the task force has averaged over 25 callouts per year. By utilizing the scientific method to investigate and determine the origin and cause of the incident, approximately 30% of those incidents result in being ruled as incendiary. Of the cases presented to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office by the task force, every case has resulted in a successful prosecution.
The Kane County Fire Chiefs Association directs the Kane County Fire Investigation Task Force (KCFITF). The team comprises members from MABAS Division 2 and Division 13 Fire Departments, the Kane County Sheriff's Office Bomb and Arson Unit, and the Kane County Sherriff's Forensic Investigation Unit.
The Kane County Fire Investigation Task Force works closely with all fire and law enforcement agencies within Kane County. When called to do so, the Task Force assists and/or augments a fire investigation as directed by the Incident Commander at the scene.
Formation
The Task Force comprises a Task Force Commander, Deputy Commander, Team Leaders, 3 Arson Investigators, 4 Kane County Sheriff Bomb & Arson Investigators, and 35 active Fire Investigators.
The Commander or Deputy Commander will assign a Lead Investigator upon the task force's request. Together with the Kane County Sheriff's Department or local Police Agency, develops and implements strategies to investigate and prosecute responsible individuals. Its concept is simple: mobilize public and private resources, coordinate responsibilities, and integrate the efforts of agencies, groups, and persons who are involved or should be involved in such an organized strategy.
Notification Requests
- Fires or explosions involving fatalities or seriously injured persons.
- Commercial and mercantile building fires or explosions when buildings or establishments are closed.
- Fires or explosions in vacant buildings.
- Fires or explosions in buildings scheduled to be demolished or sold.
- Fires with suspicious circumstances include a non-operating or disabled fire sprinkler system, signs of forced entry, unsecured windows or doors, and apparent multiple and serial fires.
- Fires appear to involve the use of accelerants.
- Repeated fires at the exact location or a series of fires indicate a pattern of incendiary activity.
- Fire or law enforcement agencies with limited investigative resources.
- The Task Force will only respond to vehicle fires when they involve a fatality or it is a high-value motor vehicle, i.e., a tractor, mobile home, or heavy construction equipment.
- The Task Force will not respond to malicious mischief or minor fires unless they are suspicious or involve juveniles. The Fire Chief or Incident Commander will determine if there are exceptional circumstances.
- Further follow-up investigation may be conducted if desired by the Incident Commander, local police, ATF, or the Task Force Commander.
