Fire Research Laboratory

The Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) is part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), an investigative agency within the United States Department of Justice.^[1] Located in Beltsville, Maryland, the FRL is a partnership among law enforcement, fire services, public safety agencies, academia and the private sector that uses the most advanced scientific, technical, educational, and training methods in fire investigation science to serve and protect the public.^[2]

The Fire Research Laboratory does the following:

• Conducts scientific research that validates fire scene indicators and improves fire scene reconstruction and fire evidence analysis;
• Supports fire and arson investigations and the resolution of fire related crimes;
• Develops improved investigative and prosecution procedures using scientifically validated methods that integrate the assets of the ATF and its partners to enhance fire investigation personnel expertise;
• Maintains a central repository for fire investigative research data that will be disseminated throughout the fire investigation community;
• Develops an internationally recognized research and education center for the advancement of knowledge, technology transfer and case support related to fire cause investigation and fire scene reconstruction.

The FRL works in research in fire investigation science. Through its rigorous scientific studies, the laboratory has been instrumental in debunking myths and challenging misconceptions within the field, leading to more accurate fire scene reconstructions and evidence analysis. The development of new technologies and methodologies under the auspices of the FRL has set new standards in the investigation of fire scenes,^[3] contributing to the resolution of complex fire-related crimes.

• Arson
• Fire investigation
• Fire protection engineering
• Fire science

• Fire Research Laboratory
• ATF Homepage
• Laboratory Fact Sheet