The Torrance Fire Marshal's office of Fire Investigations is committed to determining the cause of all fires in Torrance and the prosecution of the perpetrators of intentionally set (arson) fires. As part of the South Bay Arson Control team, our office is also committed to assisting other South Bay cities in determining fire cause. We are also committed to protecting the citizens of our city by the enforcement of local and state fire codes and unlicensed / fraudulent fire protection contractors.

The Torrance Fire Marshal's office of Fire Investigations is committed to determining the cause of all fires in Torrance and the prosecution of the perpetrators of intentionally set (arson) fires. As part of the South Bay Fire/Arson Task Force, our office is also committed to assisting other South Bay cities in determining fire cause. The Department is actively pursuing new technologies to utilize empirical data to help identify trends or patterns of incidents. The information can be used to identify areas which require further investigation to identify circumstances which contribute to emergency incidents. Once items are identified, CRRD investigators can begin research into Engineering, Education and Enforcement to help mitigate incidents and provide for Community Risk Reduction.

Fire Investigation reports can be obtained through a public records request through the Office of the City Clerk.

ORIGIN, CAUSE, AND PROSECUTION

• To determine the exact physical location where a heat source and a fuel come in contact with each other and a fire begins.
• To determine the circumstances, conditions, or agencies that bring together a fuel, ignition source, and oxidizer resulting in a fire or a combustion explosion.
• To determining the origin, cause, development and responsibility as well as the failure analysis of a fire or explosion.
• To determine if the fire was accidental or intentional.
• To collect data by observation, experiment, or other direct data gathering means, then analyze the data and develop a hypothesis to explain the origin and cause of the fire.
• To collect and preserve evidence for further testing and evaluation or courtroom presentation.
• To interview witnesses for the purpose of gathering both useful and accurate information.
• To prepare a criminal case for court action in the event of an intentional fire.
• To maintain records of all investigations.