Tacoma Fire Department Fire Investigators are firefighters that determine the cause and the origin of fires in our response area. Most fires are unintentional or accidental in nature. However, some of our fires are determined to be suspicious fires. Suspicious fires are generally considered to be maliciously, voluntarily, and willfully setting fires. Fire Investigators also work closely with the Tacoma Police Department in preparing cases for referral to Prosecuting Attorney's Office when appropriate.  

If you have questions for our staff, or would like to report suspicious activity, please contact the Fire Investigations Unit at (253) 591-5740. 

Fire Reports

You may request a copy of a fire report by completing a public disclosure request.

Arson Awareness

Arson Tip Hotline
1-800-55-ARSON 

You can also obtain more information on our annual arson prevention campaign, Arson Awareness Week. 

• Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush/shrubbery and any other combustibles away from buildings.
• Keep doors and windows locked in garages, cars and unoccupied buildings. Board up abandoned buildings. 
• Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, solvents or lawn mowers in an approved storage location such as locked metal cabinets, locked storage units and locked garages (preventing access to children). Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources such as furnaces and any type of heaters.
• To report a fire call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency situation, when you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, or to report suspicious activity near a house, garage, alley, railway or other building, call (253) 591-5740, or the Arson Hotline number at (800) 55-ARSON.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of children. About 50 percent of all arson fires are committed by youth. If you suspect your child is setting fires contact the Fire Stoppers Program.