The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office provides investigative assistance to communities that have experienced fire-related incidents. Because Oklahoma sees thousands of fires each year, investigations are prioritized to ensure that resources are used effectively and where they are needed most.
Response & Requesting
Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Agents are sworn state law enforcement officers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Agents are stationed throughout Oklahoma and respond to requests from local fire departments and law enforcement agencies for fire and explosion investigations.
To request an investigator: 1-800-522-8666
Basic Requirements to Request an Investigator
> The request must come from an official fire or law enforcement agency.
> Provide as much incident information as possible. When available, the investigator should speak directly with someone who is on-scene or has first-hand knowledge.
> Must be requested within 48 hours of the incident
Highest Priority Responses
> Fires involving fatalities or injuries
> Explosions
> Evidence of arson or explosive devices
> Major disasters
The State Fire Marshal’s Office assists local authorities and does not respond to requests directly from the public or insurance representatives.
The office typically does not investigate natural cover fires, hay bale fires, or fires discovered only after burning themselves out.
Investigation Priorities
The highest priority is given to catastrophic fires — incidents that involve:
> Loss of life or serious injury
> Significant property damage
> A risk to public health and safety
> Suspected serial arson
> Hate-crime–related fires
> Fires that disrupt vital public institutions
When a qualified request is made, or when ordered by the State Fire Marshal, an investigations supervisor will dispatch personnel to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Agents may also assist local officials with evidence collection and analysis that could lead to the prosecution of an arson suspect.
At the scene, State Fire Marshal Agents follow nationally recognized standards to conduct origin-and-cause investigations and support local authorities in all phases of evidence handling.
Scene Security
Proper scene security is essential to any fire investigation.
If a State Fire Marshal Agent is requested, local authorities should preserve the scene and limit overhaul operations to areas necessary for safety.
Scene Protection Guidelines
> Limit entry to authorized personnel only.
> Post personnel at all entry points to prevent unauthorized access.
> Fatality scenes must remain secured until the investigation is complete.
> Preserve the area around victims, as it may contain critical evidence.
> Leave evidence in place unless it is at risk of further damage.
> If local personnel must seize evidence, store it in unused, airtight metal or glass containers.
Follow-Up Investigations
If a fire is determined to be criminal in nature, follow-up investigations may be conducted in coordination with local authorities.
State Fire Marshal Agents are trained law enforcement officers with expertise in:
> Fire origin and cause determination
> Evidence collection and preservation
> Criminal interviewing
> Fraud investigation
> Fire and life safety systems
> General criminal investigation techniques
Agents have arrest authority and may issue subpoenas when necessary to obtain information relevant to an investigation.
