Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations

 

The Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations is a law enforcement bureau within the Criminal Investigations Division. The Bureau's sworn law enforcement and nonsworn personnel perform functions within the criminal justice system. The core missions of the personnel within the Bureau include the detection, investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders of arson and explosive-related crimes. The Bureau also works to enhance investigations and prosecutions and to deter arson and explosive-related crimes through education and training.

The Bureau is divided into two operational districts: District One and District Two. District One comprises the Northeast and Northwest regions, and District Two comprises the North Central, South Central, and South regions. These five regions respond to requests for service and provide investigative support to fire, police, citizens, and visitors of Florida. The Bureau also supports the Division's Special Operations Bomb Squad, UAV, SRT, and K-9 units.

In 2025, the Bureau received more than 2,619 new requests for investigative assistance from city, county, state, and federal agencies and private citizens. The Bureau investigated incidents with an estimated property loss of nearly $211 million. Of this estimated loss, approximately $16 million was attributed to arson. As a result of those investigations, the Bureau made arrests in 293 cases with 322 defendant arrests.

Due to fire and arson investigations being complex, arduous, and inherently dangerous, the Bureau does not investigate every fire that occurs within Florida. However, upon request, Bureau officers can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to investigate fires and explosion-related incidents.

We are working harder than ever to ensure those responsible for arson are apprehended and prosecuted. If you have any information regarding a suspected arson, we encourage residents to report Arson Tips through the Arson Tip Hotline at 1-877-NO-ARSON (662-7766). Any information leading to a successful arrest and prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward.

 

District I CommanderDistrict II Commander
Major Matthew Legler
11655 N.W. Gainesville Rd.
Ocala, FL 34482

Matthew.Legler@myfloridacfo.com		Major Joseph Pietrafesa
400 N. Congress Ave., Suite 230
West Palm Beach, FL  33401

Joseph.Pietrafesa@myfloridacfo.com

 

 

Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations Office Locations

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Report Suspected Arson for Florida

1-877-662-7766 or 1-877-NO-ARSON
Check Your Case Status
Request an Investigative Report
Section 943.0312 F.S.

Provides assistances related to explosions or explosive devices and other law enforcement activities to the seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces
Section 552.113, F.S.

The division shall investigate, or be certain that a qualified law enforcement agency investigates, the cause and circumstances of each theft, illegal use, or illegal possession of explosives which occur within the state.
Section 633.114, F.S.

Upon request, the State Fire Marshal shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and explosions occurring in this state wherein property has been damaged or destroyed and there is probable cause to believe that the fire or explosion was the result of carelessness or design.
Section 552.21, F.S.

Whenever the division shall have reason to believe that any person is or has been violating the provisions of this chapter or any rules or regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto, the division may, without further process of law, confiscate the explosives in question and cause them to be stored in a safe manner, or, if any explosives are deemed by the division to be in such a state or condition as to constitute a hazard to life or property, the division may dispose of such explosives without further process of law. The division is authorized to dispose of any abandoned explosives that it deems to be hazardous to life or property.