Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
OGDEN, Utah – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has deployed its National Response Team (NRT) to Ogden, Utah to investigate a fire at a 48-unit apartment building under construction.
On August 8, the Ogden Fire Department arrived to find the building heavily involved in fire. The blaze burned for several hours and destroyed the structure. After consulting with other local agencies, the Ogden Fire Department requested the National Response Team to assist with the investigation of the origin and cause of the fire.
“When our National Response Team arrives on scene, it represents more than just federal support,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “It’s ATF’s commitment to strengthen and support our local public safety partners in large-scale investigations by bringing specialized resources, expertise and coordination when it’s needed most.”
The team consists of Special Agents, Special Agent Certified Fire Investigators, Special Agent Certified Explosives Specialists, Fire Protection Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Forensic Chemists, Intelligence Research Specialists, Digital Forensic Specialists, a Medic and an Ignitable Liquid or Explosive Detection Canine with handler.
Since its inception in 1978, the NRT has responded to 936 incidents, including 16 activations this fiscal year alone. The NRT’s rapid-response structure enables it to generally deploy within 24 hours, bringing in state-of-the-art technology, including unmanned aerial systems, 3D scanning, forensic mapping and portable labs, to aid in fire and explosion origin and cause determinations.
The NRT has a proven track record of handling the nation’s most tragic and complex fire and explosive incidents. Past deployments include:
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The Maui Wildfire Disaster: One of the deadliest U.S. fires in over a century, requiring an intricate investigation due to high winds and rapid fire spread.
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Conception Dive Boat Fire: A fatal fire near Santa Barbara where the NRT helped uncover key evidence leading to safety reforms in marine operations.
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2020 Midwest Civil Unrest: The team processed over 200 arson scenes linked to protests, providing critical evidence that led to arrests and prosecutions.
ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.