National Fire Protection Association Membership Overview

An experienced fire investigator with over a decade in the industry, Jeff Tanski owns and operates Veritas Fire Consulting, a company based in Peachtree City, Georgia. Jeff Tanski is a member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

NFPA is a global nonprofit founded in 1896 to share knowledge and resources with professionals interested in the fire protection industry. The association aims to eliminate all loss, death, and injury derived from fire and electrical hazards. Industry professionals and students can become NFPA members to receive access to the resources provided, including a subscription to NFPA Journal and access to networking events throughout the year.

Professional members gain a 10 percent discount on all NFPA services and products, as well as exclusive access to member's only areas such as a section of NFPA Xchange and KnowledgeBase. For only $25 per year, student members also have access to NFPA virtual career fair, mentorship opportunities with professionals, and a 20 percent discount on NFPA products.

NFPA Reveals Devastating Damage from Large Loss Fires in 2018

An alumnus of Akron University, Jeff Tanski earned a bachelor of science focused on technical coursework

and fire protection. The owner of Veritas Fire Consulting in Peachtree City, Georgia, Jeff Tanski investigates fires ranging from residential fires to commercial and multi-million dollar fires. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

NFPA publishes an annual report on large loss fires in the United States. Large loss fires are fires that result in property damage valued at $10 million or above. In its most recent report for the year 2018, NFPA recorded 36 large-loss fires in the United States, the highest number since 2007, when 47 were reported. Combined, the 36 fires resulted in 102 deaths, 66 injuries, and over $12.9 billion worth of property damage. Interestingly, 96 percent of this damage ($12.4 billion) was caused by just six fires, all wild fires that occurred in California. They were the Camp Fire, Woolsey Fire, Carr Fire, Ranch Fire, West Fire, and Cranston Fire.

In 2018 overall, US fire departments responded to 1,318,500 fires that resulted in combined losses worth $25.6 billion. The majority were small fires that resulted in little if any property damage.

Earning the IAAI Certified Fire Inspector Credential

Jeff Tanski works to uncover the origin and cause of fires at Veritas Fire Consulting, a company in Peachtree City, Georgia, that he owns and leads as president. Accomplished in his field, Jeff Tanski maintains several professional accreditations, including Certified Fire Investigator.

Administered by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credential says that a recipient has demonstrated the necessary skills, experience, and professional knowledge to conduct fire investigations. To earn the credential, candidates must fulfill a multistep process.

The process begins with candidates completing an application in which they detail and document their accomplishments in the field of fire investigation. Each accomplishment earns a candidate one point, and a candidate must compile 150 points before submitting the application to the IAAI-CFI Committee.

Candidates whose applications receive approval from the committee then must take an exam. The exam, which is proctored and closed-book, is designed to cover all aspects of the job of fire investigator.

Candidates who achieve a grade of at least 70 percent on the exam earn the CFI credential. To ensure continued adherence to professional standards, the IAAI mandates that CFIs complete a recertification process every five years.

To learn more about becoming a CFI, visit firearson.com.

A Brief Introduction to Fire Investigation

Fire fighters
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A member of the National Fire Protection Association, Jeff Tanski is the owner of Veritas Fire Consulting, a fire investigation and analysis company. Jeff Tanski is a certified fire investigator by the International Association of Arson Investigation.

Usually done after a fire has been put out, fire investigation is the practice of examining fire-related incidents by closely surveying the damage scene. A fire investigation is done to establish the origin and cause of the fire. Fire investigation requires knowledge of chemical and physical properties of fire, including its effect on various substances.

During a fire investigation, investigators collect physical evidence from the scene and examine the physical attributes of the scene. Accelerants, specific burn patterns, and tampered utilities are some examples of evidence collected from fire scenes. After a thorough analysis, fire investigators can determine if the fire is caused by an accident or a deliberate event. In some cases, fire investigation may detect criminal activity and serve as a useful key in criminal charges.

In arson cases, a fire investigator may bring authoritative testimony to the court to shine a light to help in winning a conviction.