Health, safety training, and exposure reduction practices among U. S. fire investigators: a cross-sectional study

Fire investigators conduct post-fire scene work with potential exposure to combustion byproducts, damaged structures, and psychosocial stressors, yet data on exposure reduction practices and health characteristics remain limited. The objective of this analysis is to characterize training, protective practices, self-reported exposures, and health indicators among U. S. fire investigators.

As part of a national photovoice study, fire investigators completed a confidential pre-interview survey between April and November 2025. Survey items assessed demographics, occupational history, use of personal protective equipment and respiratory protection, exposures, safety training, decontamination practices, and self-reported health conditions and behaviors.

Fifty-six investigators from 24 states participated (mean 12.6 years of experience); 71.4% were public investigators and 29.6% had a second job. Personal protective equipment use during investigations was reported as often or always by 92.9%, while 60.7% reported often or always using respiratory protection. Exposures reported as often or always included soot (89.3%), burned debris (73.2%), smoke (67.9%), and hazardous substances (60.7%). Psychosocial stressors occurred often or always for 28.6%. Preliminary exposure reduction training was reported by 12.5, and 56.4% indicated their agency lacked investigator-specific decontamination practices. Self-rated health was reported as very good or good by 83.9%. Self-reported conditions included cardiovascular disease (21.4%), musculoskeletal disorders (17.9%), mental health conditions (12.5%), and cancer (5.4%).

U. S. fire investigators report frequent post-fire exposures and variability in respiratory protection use, exposure reduction training, and investigator-specific decontamination policies. This pilot study data can inform occupational health guidance and future research on exposure assessment, health monitoring, and control strategies.