Since 2003
The Sacramento-Sierra Regional Arson Task Force is a registered California nonprofit organization, and a Federal 501(c)(3) exempt public charity. Our EIN is 42-1672480 and our California Registered Charity number is CT0160152.
The purpose of the Arson Task Force is to bring together representatives of the fire service and law enforcement to curb the rising incidents of arson and other fire-related crimes. Our goal is to provide members with adequate knowledge and experience related to the cause of fires in order to determine if a crime has been committed. We also work to achieve effective coordination, communication, and cooperation between law enforcement, the fire service, and those charged with the responsibility to prosecute arson and fire-related cases.
The primary objectives of the Arson Task Force are to:
- Provide avenues of communication and information exchange between law enforcement, fire agencies and prosecutors.
- Provide and/or sponsor specialized training programs in investigative topics and techniques throughout the year.
- Assist participating agencies with their fire investigations.
These goals will enhance the ability of fire and law enforcement agencies to recognize acts of incendiarism, and to determine the cause of major fires, arson or not.
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History The task force originally began in 1993 when fire investigators in Placer County formed an organized group with the objectives of information exchange and training, as well as an agreement to assist members with fire investigations. In 1994 this group formally organized as the Placer County Arson Task Force. The guiding principle was to be “a county wide association of law enforcement and fire officials dedicated to curbing the rising incidents of arson.” |
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In June, 1997, the Placer County Arson Task Force consolidated with Nevada County to form the Placer-Nevada County Arson Task Force. Over time, this Task Force began working more closely with fire investigators from the Folsom, Roseville, South Placer, Rocklin, and Placer Consolidated Fire Districts.
Eventually, this group expanded to include fire agencies and law enforcement agencies in the Sacramento Valley, including Sacramento City Fire, Sac Metro Fire, Elk Grove, and Wilton, as well as representatives from CAL-Fire, area crime labs, and district attorneys’ offices in the region. In April, 2003, this group formally incorporated under the name Sacramento-Sierra Regional Arson Task Force. Since then, it has grown to include 56 member agencies. The Task Force was granted federal tax-exempt status in 2006.
Keith Burson from South Placer Fire District applied for and obtained a grant for the purchase of the trailer and equipment. Lawrence Bettencourt put the trailer into service when he became Fire Marshal of the South Placer Fire District. Vern Canon, Fire Marshal with Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, arranged for Grass Valley Sign to do the graphics on the trailer. The trailer is owned by the South Placer Fire District, and is designated for regional deployment.