Firefighters strengthen forest fire investigation skills in Italy

Acting Divisional Officer Suresh Persaud and Station Officer Javid Mohamed of the Guyana Fire Service have completed specialised training in forest fire and crime scene investigation in Italy, strengthening their ability to investigate vegetation fires and support fire prevention efforts in Guyana.

The officers attended the Basic and Advanced Course in Forest Fire and Crime Scene Investigation at the Carabinieri Forestry School CoEEP in Sabaudia from October 4 to 16, 2026.

The two-week programme focused on the technical knowledge and practical skills required to determine where forest fires begin, establish their probable causes and preserve evidence for further investigation.

A key area of training was understanding forest fire behaviour. Participants were trained to examine how vegetation, fuel availability, wind, temperature, humidity and terrain influence the development and spread of fires. These factors help investigators interpret conditions at a fire scene and identify possible points of origin.

Persaud and Mohamed also strengthened their knowledge of systematic fire scene examination. The course emphasised careful observation, accurate documentation and the assessment of physical evidence when determining whether a fire may have resulted from accidental ignition, negligence or deliberate action.

Crime scene management was another major component. Training covered securing and preserving scenes, recognising potential evidence and ensuring that its integrity is maintained during collection and handling. Participants were reminded of the importance of minimising unnecessary disturbance, particularly where criminal activity is suspected.

The programme also addressed investigative reporting, with emphasis on preparing clear, factual reports that distinguish observations, witness information and technical interpretations from conclusions supported by evidence. These skills are essential to producing findings that can withstand administrative or legal scrutiny.

For the Guyana Fire Service, the training has practical relevance to incidents involving forests, grasslands, agricultural lands and other areas with substantial vegetation. The knowledge gained can assist in identifying recurring causes of fires and guiding public education and prevention measures.

The course further highlighted the importance of cooperation among fire services, forestry authorities, police investigators and environmental agencies. Persaud and Mohamed attended alongside Deputy Commissioner Tasreef Khan of the Guyana Forestry Commission, providing an opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration between the two agencies.

The officers’ participation represents a further investment in the Guyana Fire Service’s investigative capacity, supporting its work to protect lives, property and the environment from uncontrolled fires.