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National Center for Explosives Training and Research

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National Center for Explosives Training and Research building

The National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) is a world class facility that consolidates the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) core explosives and fire programs. Located on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, NCETR provides outstanding training facilities and staff in the delivery of life-saving explosives and arson training.

Incident Response

Operationally, NCETR oversees the following specialty programs:

Training and Research

In addition to internal training for special agents in incident response, NCETR collaborates with local police and fire departments, prosecutors, military organizations and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime. Click on your category of training to find out how your department may participate.

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Firefighter holding a mask
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Grenade on a table
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Explosives research lab

Arson

Explosives

Explosives Research
and Development

Interagency Collaboration

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Certified Fire Investigators discussing a fire during training

As part of NCETR’s commitment to provide innovative and advanced training, NCETR has interagency agreements with federal law enforcement agencies, military partners and organizations such as the National Fire Academy. These agreements fund training at NCETR and locations around the world for programs such as Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigation, Fire Investigation Essentials, Homemade Explosives, Post Blast and Raven’s Challenge.

Informational Videos and Links

ATF Certified Fire Investigator Course

ATF K-9 Training (NORT)

ATF National Response Team

X: @ATF_NCETR

Contact Us

Contact NCETR-mailbox@atf.gov for any questions you have regarding NCETR.

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

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