Fire Investigations are headed up by Deputy Chief Henry A. Watson, Fire Marshal for the City of New Bern.  New Bern Fire-Rescue is responsible for conducting fire investigations to determine the area of origin and cause for all fires within the city limits. Three investigators are on call to respond when the cause of the fire is either suspicious or not immediately discernable. Once the cause is determined, investigators will then decide if the fire was “accidental” or “intentional."

Accidental fires are studied to see if additional educational methods would be instrumental in reducing the potential risk of reoccurrence, or if it needs to be addressed by other agencies for corrective measures. If the cause is intentional, the investigation is continued until all leads are exhausted, or the suspect is taken to court to stand trial.