I would like to introduce everyone to a new training institute, the Forensic Fire Analysis Institute (FFAI). Our purpose is to combine peer-supervised practical field training with classroom theory to enhance the competency and reliability of the investigator's forensic fire analytical skills.

Currently, much of the fire investigation training offered around the world is classroom-based or virtual training, solely focused on knowledge. This sole focus on theory is failing to prepare the investigators to attain the necessary skills to perform the tasks of an investigator. Training offered through FFAI will include both a substantial practical component as well as a theoretical component to ensure that the attendees are competent and proficient in the skills being taught. The training classes will be documented thoroughly to assure that competency testing and proficiency testing is completed for those attendees needing to demonstrate that they are meeting individual competencies by an independent peer-reviewed organization.


Our inaugural training will be held October 15-18, 2018 at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. An attendee can choose 2 of the 3 programs for the seminar:
1. Electricity and Electrical Systems: NFPA 1033-14 §1.3.7 (16) [Instructors Corey Hanks, IAAI-CFI, CFEI; and TBA, P.E., IAAI-CFI]

2. Fire Dynamics and Fire Patterns: NFPA 1033-14 §1.3.7 (1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11); JPR's 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4 [Instructors Gregory E. Gorbett, Ph.D., IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS; and TBA, IAAI-CFI]

3. Techniques for Origin Determination: NFPA 1033-14 §1.3.7 (8); JPR's 4.2.4, 4.2.5 [Instructors Wayne Chapdelaine, IAAI-CFI, CFEI; and Ryan Cox, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS]

Please visit our website www.forensicfireinstitute.com for additional information or to register for the classes. We will also be publishing a long-term plan for classes and instructors, in which you will see that we have only the highest caliber experts and instructors teaching.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with other organizations and apply many of the courses that are currently being offered towards the continuing education for fire investigators. It is our hope that we can play a pivotal role alongside IAAI, NAFI and NFPA in the advancement of our profession.

We encourage an open dialogue with anyone to further discuss our plans and future direction. Please feel free to look at our website and reach out to any of the board of directors with questions that you may have.

Best regards,

Greg




Gregory E. Gorbett, Ph.D., IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS
Director
Forensic Fire Analysis Institute
www.forensicfireinstitute.com
Greg@forensicfireinstitute.com
859-353-2945


Professor
Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation Degree
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
859-353-2945