First you say "I have not found cases where it has been recognized by an organization that NFPA 921 as the standard of care for fire investigators.", then you say "The only organization to state they believe NFPA 921 is the professional standard of care for fire and explosion investigation is the National Association of Fire Investigators." You are correct in the second statement.

Published several times on their website in the past as well as in their publications.

"It is the official position of the National Association of Fire Investigators that NFPA 921 is the standard to which all fire and explosion investigations should be held by the courts and the profession. NAFI believes that NFPA 921 is the professional standard of care for fire and explosion investigation as the only peer-reviewed, science based, consensus text on fire investigation.
NAFI has been a zealous supporter of NFPA 921 since the document's very inception. NAFI has had official representation on the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Investigators since the Committee's very first meeting in 1986.
Each of the three previous editions of NFPA 921 and the currently proposed 2001 edition have been adopted by NAFI resolutions at annual general membership meetings.

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Program
The National Certification Board Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator examination has been based upon the investigative principles in 921 since 1987, even before the official adoption of the document by the NFPA.
NAFI Sponsored Training Programs
All of the training programs and seminars of NAFI teach the principles espoused in 921.

The semi-annual NAFI and NFPA co-sponsored National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Programs (Introductory and Advanced) teach to NFPA 921. These are the only NFPA co-sponsored programs that teach Fire Investigation according to NFPA 921.

NAFI Representation on the Technical Committee on Fire Investigations
In addition to NAFI having an official representative on the Technical Committee since the Committee's inception, many Committee members are also regular NAFI members.

NAFI's Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, Chairman of the National Certification Board, and two of the members of the NAFI Board of Directors currently serve on the Technical Committee. Three additional NAFI Board members have previously served on the committee as principal members, alternates, or as task group members."


The National Association of Fire Investigators, (NAFI), is one of the two major International Professional Trade Organizations which certifies fire and arson investigators, and has several thousand members in approximately 18 countries. The other major International Professional Trade Organization is the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), which has several thousand members in approximately 19 countries. Besides individual members, public agency representation also includes the US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, numerous State Police Arson Units, numerous State Fire Marshal’s Offices, extensive local and county fire departments and police departments.

Contrary to what you state, it is NOT a locality rule. It is a Certification Rule. Apparently you are unaware of it, and thats understandable, but on litigation matters over here on the west coast (especially those who maintain a CFEI certification), they have to acknowledge the Official Position of NAFI which is the basis of their certification when asked in Deposition.

In my opinion, the new verbiage actually creates more problems than it solves and will give individuals yet another legitimate reason to disagree with portions of NFPA 921, degrading the document further.

It is apparent that we agree to disagree, but I greatly do appreciate the cordial discussion.

Chris