GATR News Bulletins

Advancing Fire & Explosion Investigation Training – Explosions Programme Success

Following the successful June 2026 Practical Fire Investigation Course, GATR instructors delivered a specialist Two-Day Explosions Program in North Yorkshire for experienced Tier Two Scene Examiners. All 14 delegates rated the program Very Good to Excellent. The content covers:

Explosives Legislation & Definitions; Natural Gas – Explosive Limits Lithium-Ion Batteries; Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Canisters, Containers & Cylinders; Homemade & Military Explosives Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); Butane Hash Oil Incidents Fireworks & Pyrotechnics; Cash Machine Theft Investigations Practical Demonstrations & Case Studies filmed at GATR bespoke facility.

Vehicle Fire Investigation Program

July marks the launch of the 3-Day Residential Vehicle Fire Investigation (VFI) Program developed with insurance and automotive sector partners. This initiative continues our long-standing commitment to multi-agency investigation training and professional development. Demand is already high, with all places on the next two UK residential VFI events (September and October 2026) reserved for delegates from NFCC regions and NPCC partners, supporting the development of Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP)In November of 2018 the National Fire Chiefs Council issued a document that simplified the minimum requirements for Fire Investigation. The Competency framework defined a two-tier system, briefly described as:

Tier 1 Fire Scene Investigations. Routine Fire Investigations usually undertaken to provide information required for the National Incident Recording system. Normally carried out by crew and watch managers who should receive a level of fire investigation awareness training which enables them to accurately complete the IRS. These personnel should be trained and competent to a level equivalent to meet all of the Skills for Justice level 2 Introduction to Fire Investigation Assessment criteria.

Tier 2 Fire Scene Investigations defined as complex fire and or explosion incidents where the origin and Cause is not easily established. The document also outlined the process for more serious fires stating that these should be investigated by a competent Tier 2 Investigator with specific training to undertake a more detailed investigation than a tier 1. Tier 2 investigators should be trained and competent to meet the SFJ level 5 certificate in Fire Investigation and be working to the standards prescribed in 2The Code of Practice for Fire Investigators within the Criminal Justice System.

An updated and more in-depth document was published in July 2021 aiming to drive improvement and consistency in service delivery and to help progress towards BS/EN ISO 17020. This revised framework document will assist FRS in demonstrating how they assure the competence of their fire investigation staff.

Tier 1 standards of training were outlined as the criteria identified within the SFJ level 2. Tier 2 Investigations to be carried out by those personnel demonstrating the essential knowledge and skills equivalent to a level 5 qualification. Working to the Code of Practice for Fire Investigators of Fires and Explosions for the Justice Systems in the UK, The forensic Regulators Code of Practice and BS/EN ISO 17020 where applicable. These Investigators must meet all specified elements and be able to demonstrate competence in their role against the National Occupational Standards. This competence must routinely be reassessed at defined intervals to ensure it is maintained and up to date. The document fully outlines the route to achieve the standard and competence within it.