ATF National Response Team Investigates Florida Fire
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives requested assistance from ATF’s National Response Team investigating a fire in Ocala, Florida. The fire started on April 8 and destroyed a 12,000 square foot structure and caused the deaths of 21 horses.
The team concluded their on-site investigation and is reviewing and analyzing additional data from the fire. Once this step is complete a final determination will be made regarding the cause of this fire.
“This deployment highlighted NRT’s distinct role in supporting state and local investigators," said Kirk Howard, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Tampa Field Division. "Our partners recognize that ATF is the federal government’s gold standard when it comes to complex fire investigations and that we’ll mobilize our capabilities wherever we’re needed.”
The team consists of Special Agents, Certified Fire Investigators, Fire Protection Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Forensic Chemists, Certified Explosives Specialists, an Intelligence Research Specialist, a Medic and an Accelerant Detection Canine with handler.
Since its inception in 1978, the NRT has responded to 928 incidents, including eight 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 drones, 3D mapping, and portable labs, to aid in fire 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:
- 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.
- Conception Dive Boat Fire: A fatal fire near Santa Barbara where the NRT helped uncover key evidence leading to safety reforms in marine operations.
- 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.
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