Upcoming events

    • May 30, 2024
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • SCFA, 141 Monticello Trail, Columbia SC
    Register

    South Carolina IAAI

    Second Quarter Training Solar Panels and the Fire Investigator

    Date: May 30, 2024. Training

    Time: 0800 – 1700

    Location: South Carolina Fire Academy, 141 Monticello Trail Columbia, South Carolina, 29203

    Fee: $35 for members, $100 for non-members

    The S.C. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (SCIAAI) is proud to announce the 2024 2nd Quarter Training Seminar. This course informs the Fire Investigator of a basic understanding of PV systems and what we as Fire Investigators need to understand and do before starting an investigation. The increasing popularity of residential solar energy systems, large photovoltaic arrays powering institutions, and commercial solar farms in rural areas pose new challenges for fire investigators responding to scenes where photovoltaic systems are present. Photovoltaic systems (PV) pose a safety hazard that must be addressed before an investigation. Investigators must be familiar with how photovoltaic systems work, how these systems are designed and installed, and how to safely interact with them when investigating the scene.

    This training is scheduled for a minimum of 8 contact hours. Furthermore, testing options will be discussed at the training event.

    Instructor Bio

    The instructor will be Joseph Paolo, a career captain/fire marshal with the Plumsted Township Fire District #1. Joe has over 30 years of experience in the fire service and 20 years of experience in Fire Investigations. He started his fire investigation experience as a heavy equipment operator with the Ocean County Arson Task Force. He also worked for the State of New Jersey at the Division of Fire Safety Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Ocean County Fire Marshals Office before creating the Fire Marshal’s Office in Plumsted Township. Joe is a certified International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician with a Motor Vehicle Indorsement, a Certified Instructor, and an Evidence Collection Technician. He also holds his CFEI from the National Association of Fire Investigators.

    Important notes about the training: 

    1.     Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.sciaai.org. The cut-off date for registration is Monday, May 27, 2024. Nonmember attendance must be pre-approved by the SCIAAI Board. Pending applicants are to pay a "member fee" to attend. Those wishing to apply for SCIAAI membership can download an application from the website at www.sciaai.org

    2.     The chapter has elected not to utilize cafeteria services at the academy, so 90 minutes has been allotted for lunch on your own.

    3.     As of February 1, 2024, State Fire will be implementing new security procedures to enter the premises. All participants will be required to show proof of registration, i.e. your confirmation email, to be allowed on premises. This is new to us as well, as I am sure we will have bugs to work out. Please bear with us as we navigate the changes. 

    4.     Registration may be limited to meet the occupancy of the hosting agency. If this should occur, you will be placed on a waiting list for future openings. 



Mailing Address: SCIAAI, P.O. Box 212486, Columbia, SC 29221-2486
The South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators is a South Carolina non-profit organization. 

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