About the AWID
The Arson & Wildfire Investigation Division (A.W.I.D) is our dedicated team that work to uncover the origins of wildfires.
While the Local Emergency Response teams fights the fires, we focus on what's left behind. Our mission is to find out how and why a wildfire started.
This isn't about placing blame; it's about understanding the causes. Whether they are natural, accidental, or criminal, so that we can prevent similar fires from happening in the future.
The AWID, being operated by a nonprofit organization, the European Fire Prevention & Rural Preservation Organization (EFPRP), allows full transparency & guarantees coherence between official reports and independent investigations.
For additional information, visit our Help Center.
The AWID Investigation Process
Our six main procedures at the Arson & Wildfire Investigation Division (A.W.I.D.) when investigating a wildfire.
Report Submission & Initial Triage
The process begins with the secure submission of an investigation request through our online portal. Our team conducts an immediate review to assess the report's location, details, and initial evidence to determine its suitability for a full investigation.
Data Acquisition & Analysis
Upon triage, investigators begin to collect all available information. This includes cross-referencing public submissions with external data sources such as official fire department reports (where available and redacted), satellite imagery, weather patterns, and local topographical maps to build a comprehensive case file.
Cause & Origin Determination
Our team meticulously analyzes the data to pinpoint the fire's area of origin. We use forensic principles to assess burn patterns and evidence, working to classify the fire's cause as either accidental, natural, or a result of human activity, including potential arson.
Forensic Documentation & Reporting
The findings are compiled into a detailed, internal forensic report. This document includes a narrative of the incident, a visual timeline, and a conclusion on the determined cause. This formal documentation ensures that all evidence is correctly preserved and can be used for future analysis and shared with official partners.
Collaboration with Official Agencies
The AWID acts as a vital partner to official authorities. The findings of our independent investigations, including our final reports, are shared with local fire departments and law enforcement agencies to assist in their official inquiries and to provide additional data for their records.
Prevention & Strategic Insight
The final and most crucial procedure is leveraging our collective findings for prevention. The data from all investigations is analyzed to identify trends, common causes, and high-risk areas. This information is then used to inform the EFPRP's public education campaigns and to recommend policy changes that will proactively reduce the threat of future wildfires.
Ready to help? Submit a case.
Get in touch with the Arson & Wildfire Investigation Division (AWID) at the EFPRP to look into a specific wildfire incident, or request additional information about a wildfire incident in Europe through Local Fire Departments. AWID Investigations are, for the moment, only available in selected countries.