Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of reports from local inspectors concerning the cause of fires where the fire marshal had reason to order an investigation. Most often, an investigation would result when a neighbor, witness, or insurance company filed a complaint with the fire marshal about suspicious circumstances around the fire, alleging either intentional origins or hazardous safety conditions. Reports contain original complaint, summary of investigation by inspector, and consequences of investigation. If an individual was accused of arson, the results of the trial are also included. Of note is a large chart summarizing the locations and results of some of the investigations.