IAAI-FIT cheat sheet

NFPA 1021 defines four fire officer levels: Fire Officer I (supervises a single unit/crew), II (supervises multiple units), III (manages a division/bureau), and IV (manages the entire organization).

Each JPR is structured as a task statement plus (1) a human resource or physical resource requirement, (2) a performance outcome, and (3) a measurable evaluation criterion - all three parts are required for a JPR to be complete.

Fire Officer I human resource JPRs include: assigning tasks, evaluating subordinate performance, and recommending action on a member's problem - each with a documented outcome.

Fire Officer II adds: evaluating job performance of company officers, developing a budget request, and implementing organizational policy at the unit level.

Fire Officer III JPRs center on division-level management: developing a divisional budget, evaluating a program, and preparing a written report for the administration.

Fire Officer IV JPRs address organization-wide functions: establishing agency policy, developing a strategic plan, and evaluating the organization's overall effectiveness.

Inspection/investigation JPRs at Fire Officer I require the officer to identify a code violation, document it, and recommend a course of action - not to issue legal citations unless separately authorized.

Emergency service delivery JPRs require the officer to develop and implement an incident action plan and to deploy resources consistent with the plan and the incident priorities.

Evaluation criteria in NFPA 1021 must be observable and measurable (e.g., a completed form, a written report, a demonstrated skill) - 'understands' or 'knows' is not an acceptable criterion.

NFPA 1033 requires the investigator to have knowledge of fire science: fire chemistry, thermodynamics, fire dynamics, and the physics of fire spread.

The scientific method is mandatory: identify the problem, collect data, develop a hypothesis, test the hypothesis against all data, and select a final hypothesis. A hypothesis is only valid if it explains ALL the evidence.

Fire cause classifications: accidental, natural, incendiary, undetermined, and (for explosions) failure of equipment - the classification must be supported by evidence, not by absence of evidence alone.

The investigator must determine the origin (the exact physical location where the fire began) separately from the cause (the ignition source, material, and circumstances).

NFPA 1033 requires the investigator to secure the scene, establish chain of custody for evidence, and document the scene photographically and in writing before disturbance.

The investigator must have knowledge of building construction, building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and fire protection systems to evaluate fire spread and system performance.

Evidence collection JPRs require proper packaging, labeling, and preservation of physical evidence, plus recognition of evidence that requires laboratory analysis.

The investigator must produce a written report that states the origin, cause, and classification, and that separates factual observations from opinions and conclusions.

NFPA 1033 requires the investigator to be able to testify in a legal proceeding and to explain the methodology, evidence, and conclusions in plain terms.

NFPA 1037 defines the Fire Marshal as the individual responsible for the administration of the fire prevention, code enforcement, and investigation functions of a jurisdiction.

Fire Marshal JPRs include developing and administering a fire prevention budget, including justification of personnel, equipment, and program costs.

The Fire Marshal must be able to administer a code enforcement program: adopt/interpret codes, establish inspection schedules, and manage the appeals or variance process.

Fire Marshal JPRs require the ability to manage and evaluate a fire investigation unit, including case review, quality assurance, and coordination with the Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033) role.

The Fire Marshal must develop and implement a public fire safety education program and evaluate its effectiveness against measurable objectives.

Fire Marshal JPRs include managing personnel: assigning, supervising, evaluating, and disciplining inspection and investigation staff within the jurisdiction's rules.

The Fire Marshal must be able to prepare and present reports and recommendations to the governing body, and to represent the jurisdiction in interagency and legal matters.

Fire Marshal JPRs require knowledge of the legal framework for enforcement: warrants, access, due process, and the limits of administrative authority.

The Fire Marshal must coordinate with other agencies (building, health, police, prosecutor) and must be able to manage records, permits, and inspection documentation systems.