Fire Investigations
Welcome to the Guilford Fire Marshal’s Office investigations page. Here you can learn more about the fire investigation process and submit anonymous tips that may assist in ongoing investigations.
Following any fire, our priority is to determine the cause and origin of the incident. Fire investigations are required under Connecticut law and help protect the community, support insurance claims, and prevent future incidents. We understand that being involved in a fire is stressful, but providing accurate and complete information to investigators is an important part of the process.
Investigators may ask questions about what you saw, heard, or smelled, the location and timing of the fire, how it spread, and any activity observed before or after the incident. These questions are standard and are asked at every fire scene to help reconstruct events as accurately as possible.
If you notice suspicious activity related to a fire, we encourage you to report it to an investigator or law enforcement personnel at the scene. If you prefer, anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Connecticut Arson Tip Line at 1-800-84-ARSON, where eligible information may qualify for a reward.
Your cooperation plays a vital role in helping us determine the facts and keeping Guilford safe.
How to Prepare for an Investigation
Ensure Safety First
Do not re-enter the property until the fire department has declared it safe. Your safety and the safety of others always come first.
Preserve the Scene
Avoid moving, cleaning, or disturbing anything in the affected area unless directed by fire or law enforcement personnel. Preserving the scene helps investigators determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Provide Info
Cooperate with fire investigators by providing accurate details about what you saw, heard, or noticed before, during, and after the fire. Even small details may be important.
Document & Insurance
Once the scene is released, document any damage with photos and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Share relevant information from investigators when available.
Questions to Consider
Providing the investigator with as much factual information as you can. This will help provide information that can assist with reconstructing the scene to figure out where and how the fire started.
What time did you notice the fire?
Where was the fire first located?
How rapid was spread of fire?
What did you see/hear/smell?
Did you hear an explosion?
What color was the smoke/flame?
What kind of activity was occurring around the scene before/after the fire?
Was anyone seen leaving before/during the fire?
Were owners/occupants at the scene?
Questions?
Use the contact form on this page to reach the Fire Marshal’s Office with any questions related to an ongoing or past fire investigation. Please provide as much detail as possible so our investigators can respond accurately and efficiently.