Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal’s Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) experienced a significant increase in workload in 2025, responding to 232 fire scene examinations, an average of 19 per month. That marks a 36% increase from 171 examinations in 2024.
These incidents resulted in an estimated $135 million in property damage, along with 69 fatalities and 70 injuries. By comparison, 2024 incidents included 37 fatalities and 30 injuries. Additionally, North Carolina recorded 158 fire-related fatalities from 136 incidents statewide, according to the Fire Fatality Tracker.
2025 by the Numbers
- 232 fire scene examinations (+36% from 2024)
- $135 million in property damage
- 69 fatalities and 70 injuries
- 158 fire-related fatalities from 136 incidents statewide (Fire Fatality Tracker)
- 100% Certified: A Major FIU Milestone
FIU also reached a major professional milestone in 2025, becoming 100% certified. All nine investigators now hold NC-CFI certification, and three have also earned the IAAI-CFI credential, reflecting the unit’s continued commitment to excellence, accountability, and public safety.
About the Fire Investigation Unit
The Fire Investigation Unit supports local agencies by conducting fire scene examinations and advancing fire investigation professionalism across North Carolina through training, certification, and technical expertise.