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Investigations

West Metro Fire-Rescue is dedicated to finding the origin and cause of every fire that happens in the two cities we serve. By knowing how or why a fire started we can do a better job of preventing them through code enforcement and public education.

Arson is still the third leading cause of fire in the United States costing us all money through taxes and higher insurance premiums. Not to mention that firefighters enter these burning buildings putting their lives on the line. When a fire is found to be set on purpose and the crime of arson has occurred, West Metro Fire-Rescue works very closely with the Police Departments in each city we serve to make sure those people are caught and prosecuted.

West Metro Fire-Rescue is also involved in the newly formed Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team. The team concept gets more people involved with the team approach to fire investigation allowing more documented and thorough fire investigations. This can be especially helpful with large scale fires, such as a commercial business or apartment fire when there are many areas to cover on the scene for just one or two fire investigators. The team is made possible through mutual aid agreements through the Hennepin County Fire Chiefs Association. It is another resource available to any fire department in Hennepin County looking for fire investigation assistance.

For any question relating to fire investigations or to obtain a copy of a fire investigation report, you may call Fire Inspector Aaron Surratt at 763.230.7005.