ABOUT THE BUREAU: The Fire Investigation Bureau, or Fire Investigation Unit (FIU), offices reside in Fire Station 14 on the Southside. The Fire Investigation Unit came together in May of 1990 when then Fire Chief appointed Captain Mike Stefko and Bob Sharp, now a State Fire Marshall, to start up the FIU. Securing the use of Station 14 for this purpose was a long process taking many months to accomplish.

STAFF: Today, the Fire Investigation Bureau is manned by Chief Investigator Alvin Ware and Investigator Kevin Johnson.

PURPOSE: The primary function of the bureau is to conduct an Origin and Cause determination of a fire scene and if it is determined to be incendiary then to conduct a criminal investigation.

To prosecute for the crime of arson in Ohio you must be able to prove that the there is a crime and that someone had the opportunity to commit the crime, motive is not necessary in Ohio but it does help.

 
WHY IS ARSON COMMITTED: There are many reasons why arsons are committed. They range from insurance payoffs to drug related. They cover both buildings and vehicles. Arson does not just affect insurance companies as many believe. It is affects people. In 1990 in Youngstown alone, there was $2.2 million dollars property loss. Ten years later, that number is less than $2 million. In 1998, there were over 500 arrests and 75% of the people charged with Arson were convicted. Something is being done in the city to combat this crime. 

ROLES: There are two main roles the Fire Investigation Bureau plays. The first is the investigation into the cause of the fire. This includes searching for the cause of the fire or finding out how it started, if someone started it, who and why, and finally, if necessary, arresting that person or persons with the crime of committing arson.

The second role is more of a fire education and prevention role. The Juvenile Firewatch program was created because it was noticed that there was a growing number of juveniles starting fires. The Juvenile Firewatch program is a collaboration between the Fire Investigation Bureau and the Fire Inspection and Prevention Bureau. The program was designed to help show young kids that matches and lighters are not toys and to educate them on the dangers that fire posses.

COLLABORATIONS: The Metro Arson "STRIKE FORCE" is a separate unit that works out of Station 14. The Metro Arson Strike Force is made up of several departments in Mahoning and Trumbull County. It pools the resources of several communities and the city of Youngstown to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who commit the crime of arson. Members of the city FIU are also Strike Force Members.

The term taskforce represents a unit coming together for a specific series of fire or fires, the Strike Force is committed to an ongoing existence and is now considered one of the top units in the state of Ohio. It is a unique unit unlike any other in Ohio.

CONTACT: If you are interested in information about the Juvenile Firewatch program, contact Investigator Alvin Ware at (330) 782-0055. Arson awareness presentations are also given by members of the Arson Investigation Bureau. Call for details.