Fire investigators play a crucial role in determining the causes of fires, but their health and safety risks are not well studied. Unlike firefighters, fire investigators often spend more time at fire scenes, which may expose them to harmful substances and increase their risk for health issues such as cancer, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health concerns.

This project aims to gather critical health and safety information from fire investigators across the U.S. by collaborating with experts in the field to design a study that tracks their health over time. First, a team of fire investigators, health professionals, and safety experts will determine the most effective methods for collecting health and exposure data. Initially, qualitative methods will be used to explore fire investigators’ perceptions of occupational health and safety risks. Subsequently, 200 fire investigators from different regions of the country will be enrolled and monitored for over a year to assess their occupational exposures and health conditions.

The study will incorporate comprehensive occupational assessments with surveys, focus groups, health assessments, and environmental/biological sampling to better evaluate fire investigators’ health and safety risks. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive health and safety framework that enhances fire investigators’ well-being and informs future safety protocols.

This study is funded by FEMA through an Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Fire Prevention and Safety grant.

Contact Information:
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD, MPH
Email: acaban@med.miami.edu
Office: (305) 243-7565