The Ocean County Fire Academy recently hosted its first-ever Basic Fire Investigation Course, bringing together 30 students from seven counties and members of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for an intensive two-week training program.

The 80-hour course, held from September 28 through October 9, was organized through a partnership between the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (NJIAAI).

The training focused on fire investigation techniques and principles, providing participants with both classroom instruction and hands-on experience examining fire scenes.

As part of the practical training, students conducted fire scene examinations using cottages obtained from the recently closed Cedar Creek Campsite, which is now owned by Ocean County. The structures were transported to the Fire Academy, allowing investigators to apply the skills they learned in a realistic training environment.

The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office thanked the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department for donating the buildings, the Ocean County Road Department for assisting with their transportation, and the Ocean County Security Department for providing access to the former campground.

Officials also acknowledged the support of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the various agencies involved in making the training possible.

The course marked a milestone for the Ocean County Fire Academy, strengthening cooperation among agencies and helping enhance fire investigation capabilities throughout Ocean County and across New Jersey.