Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - On Monday, July 27, 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) and San Diego Police Department (SDPD) will commence a one-week fire dynamics and post-blast explosives course designed for 65 state, local and federal investigators from Mexico. Attendees represent agencies from the northern border of Tijuana, Baja California, south to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

The training provides insight into ATF's expertise in the investigation of fire patterns, arson documentation, incendiary and explosive blast scenes, method of placement and detonation, evidence identification and preservation, and scene reconstruction in an investigator's quest to apprehend and prosecute arsonists and bombers. The course is provided at no cost to the participating agencies. The U.S. Department of State sponsored the attendees to facilitate training and expertise that enhance the programs and infrastructure of the international investigative community.

Continuing a long-standing partnership, the bulk of the training will occur at the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute (RPSTI) located at 4347 N. Harbor Dr., Bldg. 608 in San Diego. Members of the media are invited to the course opening on Monday the 27th at 8 a.m. Officials from ATF, SDFD, SDPD, the city of Tijuana and select students will be available for comment in English and Spanish after the ceremony. A live burn is scheduled to take place at 4:00 p.m. Media interested in attending the fire demonstration segment of the training should contact ATF Special Agent/Public Information Officer Meredith Davis at (818) 963-2244 to pre-register for the event.

Please be aware that any photographing/filming of fire and/or explosives demonstration will require long distance camera capabilities for safety purposes.

WHO: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and hosted by San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

WHAT: International Fire Dynamics and Post Blast Investigation Training. Media will have the opportunity to interview Department officials and students in the morning, then film and photograph the live burn scenarios in the afternoon. Additionally, ATF subject matter experts will be available for interview.

WHEN: Monday, July 27, 2015.

TIME/WHERE: 8:00 a.m. San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute (RPSTI), 4347 N. Harbor Dr., Bldg. 608, first floor classroom, San Diego, California. Map attached. The opening ceremony will take place at 8:00 a.m. Officials and students will be available for interviews immediately after the opening ceremony.

TIME/WHERE: 4:00 p.m. San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute (RPSTI), intersection of Halsey Rd. and McCain Rd., San Diego, California. Live burn demonstrations. Media must be at the parking area no later than 3:45 p.m.

RSVP: Media must RSVP by 2 p.m. Monday, July 27 to the ATF Public Information Officer at (818) 963-2244 or meredith.davis@atf.gov More information about ATF and its programs is available at https://www.atf.gov.

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Directions to: San Diego Fire-Rescue Department - Regional Public Safety Training Institute (RPSTI)