By law, the local fire department is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions in its jurisdiction. The State Fire Marshal is mandated to investigate fires and explosions where local fire authorities are unable to determine the cause, where a violation of law exists, or when the fire or explosion is, or may be, arson.
The Massachusetts State Police Fire & Explosive Investigation Section is assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office. It includes the Fire Investigation Unit and the Bomb Squad. Both teams are made up of specially trained personnel and K9 teams who can respond anywhere in the state to assist and support local authorities. The K9s who work with fire investigators and bomb technicians were purchased by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association, also known as the Massachusetts & Rhode Island FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements), for the State Fire Marshal's office.
The Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team is made up of State Police personnel, Hazardous Materials technicians, and chemists. This team can be activated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist any local, state, or federal agency.
CONTACT / ACTIVATION:
Only police and fire personnel can request State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit services. To request fire investigators, bomb technicians, or the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team during business hours, call 978-567-3310.
To request resources after hours or on weekends or holidays, call your State Police Troop Duty Officer directly or call State Police Dispatch at 508-820-2121 and ask to be connected. Tell the Troop Duty Officer to have the on-call fire investigator or bomb technician contact you immediately.
