Determining the origin and cause of a fire requires more than technical expertise. Fire investigators must be able to demonstrate that their conclusions are based on consistent methods, properly collected evidence, qualified personnel, and well-documented processes. As their clients increasingly seek assurance that investigations are conducted under a recognized quality system, accreditation has become an important differentiator within the industry.
ISO/IEC 17020, the international standard for inspection bodies, provides a framework for fire investigators to ensure competence, impartiality, and consistency throughout the investigation process. It establishes requirements for personnel qualifications, inspection methods, handling of inspection items and samples, reporting, records management, and quality systems. These requirements ensure that every investigation is conducted using defined procedures and documented processes, strengthening confidence in investigative findings while supporting quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
Forensic Investigative Group (FIG), an organization headquartered in Louisiana specializing in fire and explosion investigations, was the very first conformity assessment body (CAB) to earn ISO/IEC 17020 for Forensic Inspection from A2LA. FIG’s ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation reinforces the organization’s credibility and supports its role as a trusted expert witness in local, state, and federal court proceedings.
Fire Research & Technology (FRT), another A2LA accredited organization that specializes in fire and explosion investigations, has experienced firsthand the value that an A2LA ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation brings to fire investigation activities. Accreditation has helped formalize activities such as evidence collection, chain of custody management, documentation, training, and reporting, creating greater consistency across their investigators and projects.
The organization initially achieved accreditation for its fire investigation inspection activities and evidence collection processes in 2024 before expanding its scope to include additional laboratory and examination activities.
ISO/IEC 17020 also aligns closely with the fire investigation industry’s technical guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). FRT investigators follow NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations for fire scene investigation and evidence collection practices, while ISO/IEC 17020 provides the quality framework that supports those technical activities. Together, these standards help ensure that evidence is properly collected, documented, protected, and reported in a manner that can withstand scrutiny from clients, insurers, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
Beyond improving internal processes, accreditation strengthens confidence in investigation results. Clients increasingly ask detailed questions about evidence management, document control, training programs, and quality assurance procedures before selecting a provider. ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation provides independent verification that these systems are in place and operating effectively. According to FRT, accreditation has helped them demonstrate their commitment to quality, support new business opportunities, and provide clients with greater confidence in the reliability of its inspection services.
As the fire investigation profession continues to evolve, the demand for accredited inspection organizations is expected to grow. By aligning the industry’s technical investigation practices with internationally recognized quality requirements, ISO/IEC 17020 helps fire investigation organizations deliver consistent, reliable, and technically sound results while enhancing confidence in the conclusions they provide.
For more information about ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation for inspection bodies, visit A2LA.org/accreditation/inspection-body. Are you ready to begin the accreditation process? Request a free accreditation estimate online today: A2LA.org/estimate-request.