Fire Investigation

Investigation of Fires
The Fire Marshal's office is responsible for fire investigations.  The Snyder Fire Department has three certified fire investigators including the Chief.   Additionally, the Chief and Fire Marshal are certified in wildland fire investigation.  

Routinely, the department will make an attempt to establish the cause and origin of the fire.  If the property is insured, it is the standard practice of the department to allow insurance investigators the first look at the fire scene, to avoid spoiling any potential evidence in the investigation process.

If the cause of a fire is suspicious in nature, the Fire Marshal in charge of Arson fires will take the lead role in any investigation, and may determine arson as the cause.  If a criminal case is possible, a case will be worked up and may be presented to the District Attorney for consideration of prosecution.  The City of Snyder has a standing reward of $250 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of arson related offenses, and the State of Texas may pay up to $1000 for information leading to Arson conviction.