Sept. 22, 2025 — Captain DaCosta and Inspector Okane of the Fitchburg Fire Department recently completed a three-day arson investigation conference hosted by the Massachusetts Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

The conference combined classroom instruction with hands-on field work, offering participants the opportunity to refine investigative techniques and stay current with industry standards. Training of this type is critical for fire investigators to maintain their arson certifications and sharpen the skills needed to analyze complex fire scenes.

In 2024 alone, Fitchburg Fire Investigators responded to and opened over 30 fire investigations in Fitchburg and surrounding communities. Ongoing education ensures that investigators can continue providing expert analysis to determine fire origins and causes, which is essential for both public safety and legal proceedings.

The department emphasized that professional development opportunities like this are vital to maintaining the highest standards of fire investigation and to strengthening partnerships with regional agencies.