Fire Investigator Comprehensive Occupational (FICO) Assessment Study
Creating foundational data on the health and safety of U.S. fire investigators that informs best practices for fire investigators.
Background
The University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center FEMA-FICO (Fire Investigator Comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Assessment) Study is a multi-phase national research initiative designed to better understand the occupational health risks, environmental exposures, and long-term health outcomes experienced by U.S. fire investigators. Fire investigators represent a highly specialized and understudied segment of the fire service workforce, often working prolonged hours at post-fire scenes with repeated exposure to combustion byproducts, structural hazards, and psychological stressors.
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Supported through funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the study aims to collect comprehensive survey data, biological samples, environmental exposure information, and qualitative insights from fire investigators across the United States. The research builds upon earlier Florida-based FICO initiatives and expands nationally to evaluate occupational exposures, health behaviors, cancer risks, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, mental health outcomes, and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices among fire investigators.
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The FEMA-FICO project also integrates findings from the FLARE (Fire Investigators’ Lived Awareness of Risk & Exposure) qualitative photovoice study, which highlighted the cumulative, prolonged, and often invisible nature of occupational hazards encountered during post-fire investigations. Investigators reported repeated exposure to soot, hazardous substances, structural instability, and psychosocial stressors while identifying major gaps in standardized decontamination procedures, respiratory protection practices, and occupational health infrastructure.
Overview
The FEMA-FICO Study is a three-year national cohort study (2024–2027) focused on advancing evidence-based occupational health protections for fire investigators. The study combines epidemiologic research, exposure assessment, biomonitoring, and qualitative methodologies to better characterize the unique health and safety challenges faced by this workforce.
Study Components
Participants may complete several study procedures, including:
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Baseline health and exposure surveys
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Biological sample collection (blood, saliva, toenails)Silicone wristband passive exposure monitoring
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Musculoskeletal examinations
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Mobile exposure reporting using the PER (Personal Exposure Reporter) App
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Qualitative interviews and photovoice activities
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These procedures allow research team to examine relationships between occupational exposures, workplace practices, and long-term health outcomes.
Study Goals
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Assessing occupational and environmental exposures among fire investigators​
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Evaluating health outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health condition​
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Identifying barriers and attitudes related to PPE use and decontamination practice​
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Developing evidence-based recommendations to improve occupational health and safety standards for fire investigators nationwide​
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Expanding occupational health surveillance and longitudinal research efforts within the fire investigation profession
Research Impact
The FEMA-FICO Cohort Study initiative seeks to address major gaps in occupational health research involving fire investigators by generating one of the first large-scale national datasets focused specifically on this profession.
Findings from the study are expected to inform:
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National occupational health guidelines​
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Exposure reduction and decontamination protocols​
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PPE recommendations and respiratory protection standards​
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Longitudinal health surveillance programs
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Future intervention and prevention strategies
The project ultimately aims to improve the health, safety, and well-being of fire investigators while strengthening evidence-based protections across the fire service community.
