Who serves as the leader of the Fire Investigation Team (FIT)?

The leader of the Fire Investigation Team (FIT) is typically the officer of the first-arriving company. This choice reflects the standard procedures followed by the Chicago Fire Department, where the first-arriving company officer is responsible for establishing command at the scene of an incident. This officer has the immediate situational awareness and team management skills necessary to take on the role of overseeing investigations into the cause of the fire.

As the incident unfolds, the first-arriving officer plays a critical role in assessing the scene, directing operations, and coordinating with other units. This involvement positions them effectively to lead the Fire Investigation Team since they possess firsthand knowledge of the incident circumstances, environment, and initial findings that are crucial for any investigation.

In contrast, while the chief officer on scene holds overall operational responsibility, they usually focus on broader strategic objectives rather than the specific technical aspects of the fire investigation that the first-arriving company officer might be more adept at handling. The designated safety officer primarily concentrates on ensuring the safety of personnel engaged in operations, and any senior firefighter present may not have the same level of authority or responsibility to lead the investigation.