About HCFIT

The Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team (HCFIT) is a shared regional resource of the Hennepin County Fire Chiefs Association. HCFIT brings together fire and law enforcement professionals from multiple agencies to assist local jurisdictions with fire and explosion investigations, training, and specialized investigative resources.

HCFIT was established beginning in 2004, when the concept of a regional investigation team was brought to the Hennepin County Fire Chiefs Association. The team became available for investigation callouts in December 2005 and has continued to provide fire investigation assistance to departments throughout Hennepin County.

Our Mission

  • Provide professional, effective origin-and-cause determination for jurisdictions within Hennepin County.
  • Promote continued education and improvement of investigation skills.
  • Provide professional fire investigative resources to fire departments within Hennepin County.
  • Provide fire investigation awareness training to member departments.

What HCFIT Provides

Origin & Cause Investigation

Assists local jurisdictions with systematic fire and explosion investigations, including scene examination, documentation, evidence preservation, interviews, and origin-and-cause determination using the scientific method.

Regional Investigation Resources

Provides trained investigators and specialized regional resources to assist or supplement a department’s own fire investigation capabilities.

Training & Professional Development

Supports continued investigator education and provides fire investigation awareness training to HCFCA member departments.

Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention

Provides trained Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention resources to assist local jurisdictions with education, intake, and intervention when youth are involved in fire-setting incidents.

Requesting HCFIT

The on-scene incident commander may request HCFIT through the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Communication Center by radio or by calling 763-525-6216. Hennepin County dispatch will contact the on-call HCFIT team leader, who will coordinate with the incident commander to determine the appropriate resources for the investigation.

Incident commanders should be prepared to provide the fire location, a brief description of the incident, the reason assistance is being requested, and information regarding any serious injuries or fatalities.