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 arson hotline
  Arson Tip Line:   713-222-8477

 fire inspection hotline
  Safety Complaint:   281-999-2200

 fire inspection hotline
  HazMat Emergency:   800-590-0005





map 		Harris County Fire Marshal
2318 Atascocita Rd.
Humble, TX 77396
phone: 281-436-8000
fax: 281-436-8005
email: FMO Support

Fire Investigations FAQ
Investigations |  Juvenile Fire Stoppers
 
Investigations

Q: How do I obtain records related to a fire in unincorporated Harris County?
A:  View the Request Fire Records page.

Q: What is the objective of a fire investigation?
A:  The objective of a fire investigation is to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Interviews must be conducted, evidence collected, and comprehensive reports of all findings prepared. To complete these tasks, the fire investigator must know and understand the rules governing proper crime scene techniques, interviewing strategies, and the technical aspects of fire science. If during the initial stages of inquiry, evidence of criminal activity is uncovered, the fire investigator must shift to his secondary role: to identify and move against those responsible.  A fire investigator who has reason to believe that arson was committed is obligated to develop the case to its fullest extent which may include filing criminal charges and serving as witnesses for the prosecution.

Juvenile Fire Stoppers

Q: Does my child need the FireStoppers Program?
A:  Concerned parents, teachers, fire departments, members of social services, and the Law Enforcement community all refer youths to try to cease the fire setting behavior. This FREE program is for children age 2 to 17 years of age.
  • Parents concerned about their child and their families safety. Can contact this office for a free one-on-one class with the juvenile and parent. The purpose of the program is to provide education for the child and family’s safety. This program also assists family with further counseling if needed.
  • Call (281)436-8070 if you live in the Unincorporated Portion of Harris County or (713)865-4529 if you live in the City limits of Houston.

Q: How do the classes work?
A: A one-to-one fire safety class for the child & parent with:
  • Financing for counseling services is provided for those youths who have more than a curiosity of fire if the parents are interested in seeking further services.
  • Fire setting sometimes stems from other problems that the juvenile is facing. Counseling can assist the juvenile and the family through this. All material is kept confidential.
  • Participation helps the juvenile, siblings, parents and other family members. Basic safety also helps with fire safety in the home and exit drills.

Q: What can Parents do?
A: Parents should do the following:
  • Make matches and lighters “off-limits”
    Tell your children to immediately tell you about any matches or lighters that they find. Reward them when they do. Set consequences for your children if they are found with matches, lighters, playing with candles or fireworks. All of which can be very dangerous to your child, another individual or property.
  • Make your home “fire safe”
    Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of your children. If you smoke, keep lighters on your person and not scattered about the house. Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallway. Check the batteries at least twice a year. Change your clock—Change your Battery. Lock up all flammable items (gas, aerosols, etc.)
  • Teach you children about fire safety.
    Talk with your children about the good (cooking and heating) and bad (accidents and burns) uses of fire. Teach them that matches and lighters are TOOLS for adults. Practice your fire escape plan, stop-drop-and-roll and crawl-low under smoke.
  • Realize the dangers of fire play.
    If your child has been found playing with fire, please enroll them in a proper fire safety and prevention class. Acknowledge that punishment will not solve the problem of fire play. This is not a phase they will outgrow.
  • Use CANDLES with care.