Which federal agency employs certificated fire investigators?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency that employs certificated fire investigators. The ATF's mission includes investigating and enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco offenses. The agency provides specific training and certification for fire investigators to ensure they have the specialized skills needed to handle fire-related incidents, particularly those involving criminal activities like arson. This certification ensures that investigators are recognized for their expertise and professionalism in the field of fire investigation.

Other agencies listed, such as the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, focus on broader scopes of law enforcement, criminal investigation, or research and standardization rather than specifically certifying fire investigators. While they may involve fire investigations in certain capacities, they do not have the same specialized focus or dedicated program for employing certificated fire investigators as the ATF does.