Upcoming Training
If you have a Training Opportunity or Event that you’d like posted on the website, email the information and a course flier to the Education Chair.
(contact info can be found under the “Team” tab)
(ETAIA) East Texas Arson Investigators Association Conference
East Texas Arson Investigators Association is hosting their annual conference.
Please visit https://etaia.us/conference/ for more information.
Registration Fees:
$175 per person
(TEEX) Building Materials, Structural Collapse, and Effects of Fire Suppression (online)
Modern fires are burning hotter and faster than ever before, leading to extreme fire conditions that result in structural collapse. This is attributed to the modern day “lightweight construction.” Over time building materials transitioned from masonry, to heavy timber and true dimensional lumber, to our modern day laminated “lightweight” materials.
Every year firefighters are dying in the line of duty due to structural collapses, sometimes even after the fire is out. We must remain aware that the fire is not the only factor that stresses our structures, our suppression efforts have an effect on the structure’s integrity as well.
This course offers 4 CE hours covering building materials themselves and how those materials can affect fire ground operations. This course offers an interactive practice session and a module quiz based off IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, 7th Edition Manual. This course satisfies: NFPA 1001 5.3.2
Registration Fees:
This course is Free online
There are no prerequisites required for this course.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(TEEX) Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces (online)
This online course prepares participants to be able to identify and select proper fingerprint processing techniques for difficult surfaces encountered in the field. Participants will learn about the three types of difficult surfaces and the associated processing techniques. All information will be tied together in a final activity whereby the participant will simulate the collection of a fingerprint from a piece of evidence identified as a difficult surface.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces course #78051.
Registration Fees:
$37 per student
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
Collin College Fire Investigator (Certification)
Introduction to the investigation of fires and explosions of known and unknown origin, including investigative techniques, collection and preservation of evidence, case preparation and presentation, point-of-origin, and arson law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will take the state certification exam for Fire Investigator.
Registration Fees:
$450 per student AND $55 TCFP Exam Fee
*Excellence Fund is applicable to course fee for eligible Collin County firefighters
Click on the link below to go to the Collin College website
IAAI - Motor Vehicle Fire Investigation (Hosted by NTFIA)
NTFIA is hosting the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Investigation Course
The 2 day course consists of 16 hours of tested instruction in determining origin and cause of motor vehicle fires. Based on Chapter 27 of NFPA 921, topics will include vehicle investigation safety, fuel packages, ignition sources, vehicle systems and identification. Included in the instruction is a live electrical demonstration showing how fuses, fusible links and relays work, as well as real time failures such as overloads and shorts. The IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Investigation 2 day course satisfies the Specialized Training Requirement of the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Credential Endorsement program.
CFITrainer.Net® Module Prerequisites:
Motor Vehicles: The Engine and the Ignition, Electrical and Fuel Systems
Motor Vehicles: The Transmission, Exhaust, Brakes and Accessory System
Investigating Motor Vehicle Fires
Prerequisites are required as supporting knowledge for the class and the examination. Materials within the class and examination will reference all prerequisites
Registration Fees:
IAAI Member Price $375.00
Non-IAAI Member Price $555.00
*Registration can be completed on the IAAI website (link below)
(NTFIA) Monthly Meeting / AI class
Legal & Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) is hosting a webinar titled Artificial Intelligence and Fire Investigation.
“The fire investigator will benefit from the capabilities of this advanced technology; from research to report writing to hypothesis generation and testing. Don’t worry- your job is and will be safe from AI; but it does have applications in the field of fire investigations. This presentation will demonstrate how to use AI effectively. And like all tools in our toolbox, there are instances where it is not the right tool for the job. Therefore, we will discuss ethical and legal concerns, pitfalls as well as potential shortcomings.”
Outline:
The evolution of AI
Use of AI in fire investigations
Ethical & Legal concerns
NTFIA will host the viewing of this webinar at the Addison Fire Department. Immediately after the webinar, two lawyers from Butler Weilmeuller Katz Craig LLP will present an open forum about the use of AI, and how it can be used both BY and AGAINST Fire Investigators in deposition.
NTFIA will hold our monthly meeting prior to the presentation. Lunch will be provided.
NTFIA Meeting - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
AI Class - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Legal Open Forum - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Registration Fees:
Member Price: Free
Non-Member Price: $25.00
Click on the link below to go to the LLRMI Flyer
Fill out the form below to register.
Arson & Fire Investigator Annual Seminar (Hosted by IAAI Texas Chapter)
IAAI’s Texas Chapter is hosting a week long Arson and Fire Investigator Seminar.
Topics will include:
• Beyond Cause and Origin
• Cold Case Investigations & Management
• Skeletal Burn Remains & Identification
• AI and Investigations
• Legislative updates
• The Science of Explosion Investigations
• Utilization of Fire Testing and Applying the Scientific Method in Fire Investigations
• Bias, Presupposition, Heuristics, and other Concerns for Fire Investigations
Registration Fees:
$350 per person
(TEEX) Forensic Photography 2 (nighttime photography)
Once an investigator has mastered basic forensic photography, there are advanced skills and techniques that can allow for greater effectiveness in documenting crime scenes and physical evidence. Participants will learn photographic techniques such as low light/nighttime, ultraviolet, infrared, and laser photography. Course instruction is through lecture, case review, and application exercises.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography II Course #40054.
Registration Fees:
$700 per student
Course prerequisites:
Foundations of Forensic Photography (online)
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(NTFIA) Monthly Meeting / Diagramming
Brandon Roberts, with Haag Fire O&C, will provide a brief presentation on different diagramming programs. He will bring some equipment from DocuSketch and Matterport for demonstration, and will compare them with various diagrams through several other diagramming programs.
NTFIA will hold our monthly meeting after the presentation.
Diagramming Class - 11:00 PM to 12:00 PM
NTFIA Meeting - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Fill out the form below to register
IAAI International Training Conference
IAAI is hosting their annual International Training Conference.
Full Week
Members - $900
Non-Members - $1,100
*Week registrations include a ticket to the Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026.
One-day Pass
Members - $375
Non-Members - $490
Two-day Pass (Must attend 2 consecutive days)
Members - $625
Non-Members - $810
Guest Program - $550
Separate Registration Required for EWCT and ECT
Please note that the Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony (EWCT) and the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) Practicum require separate registration. Click the links below to register:
Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony (Members - $900; Non-Members - $1,100)
Evidence Collection Technician ($295 for all)
Important Information:
If you register for the EWCT, you do not need to register separately for the conference. EWCT registration includes access to all conference courses and extracurricular activities throughout the week.
If you plan to register for the ECT and also attend the conference, you must register for both the ECT and the conference.
You also have the option to register for the ECT only and attend the practicum without registering for the full conference.
More information can be found at International Association of Arson Investigators
(TEEX) Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
The science of bloodstain pattern analysis can assist investigators in making determinations, such as, relative positions of the victim or suspect, the nature of the force and weapon used, and the approximate number of blows struck during an assault. This course is designed for those who investigate crime scenes containing blood evidence, such as assaults and death investigation, as well as those who process bloodstained evidentiary items. Participants will learn the basic knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis, including methods and skills for the scientific interpretation of bloodstain evidence at crime scenes and on evidentiary items. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on experiments and practical application.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course #40057.
Registration Fees:
$799 per student
Course prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(TPT) Eyewitness Evidence & Identification
In this course, Texas Police Trainers will teach Investigators the recommended protocols, and how to implement such protocols, for conducting mass field identification and utilizing composites, mug-book, and the formal procedures for eyewitness identification of suspects. The goal of this course is to improve accuracy and reliability of evidence throughout eyewitness identification procedures.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Eyewitness Evidence & Identification #3286.
Texas CCP Article 2.1386
(a) In this article, “law enforcement agency” means an agency of the state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state authorized by law to employ peace officers.
(b) The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish a comprehensive education and training program on eyewitness identification, including material regarding variables that affect a witness's vision and memory, practices for minimizing contamination, and effective eyewitness identification protocols.
(c) Each law enforcement agency shall require each peace officer who is employed by the agency and who performs eyewitness identification procedures to complete the education and training described by Subsection (b).
Registration Fees:
$57 per student
Course prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(TEEX) Forensic Photography 1
Capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques is crucial to a proper criminal investigation. This course will address the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional crime scene documentation. Course instruction will be through lecture, case review, and practical exercises.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography Course #40053.
Registration Fees:
$650 per student
Course prerequisites:
Foundations of Photography (online) Foundations of Forensic Photography | TEEX.ORG
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(Lexis Nexis) Utilizing Vehicle Data to Enhance Investigations
This two-day course is essential for law enforcement professionals who need to stay up to date with the latest methods for obtaining data from modern vehicles. It covers procedural advancements and various approaches to retrieving vehicle data, which is crucial for locating fugitives and conducting thorough investigations.
Modern vehicles are equipped with on-board systems that connect to cellular networks, like how a cell phone operates. This connectivity can be exploited to gather data for geolocation, revealing where a vehicle currently is or where it has been. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of how current vehicles connect to cellular networks, emphasizing that a vehicle functions as a mobile digital device. It contains cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections, stores car event data, and may even capture social media activity and the digital footprint of its occupants.
The course will also delve into the specifics of onboard storage systems and the types of data that third-party companies may store. Investigators will learn how to navigate the complexities of modern car computing systems and use the vast amount of data these vehicles can provide, including GPS data that can show nearly exact locations, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. This knowledge is vital for law enforcement officers who need to leverage every available resource to complete their investigations efficiently and effectively.
Topics Covered:
Search warrant writing for vehicle data
Live tracking vehicles
Internet resources for vehicle data
Utilizing cellular data from vehicles
Understanding extraction data from vehicles
Stored Infotainment System data
Layering vehicle data for a comprehensive digital footprint and pattern of life
Registration Fees:
$500 per student
Course prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course, though it is strongly suggested to attend the LexisNexis 40-Hour Criminal Investigations Using Cellular Technologies Course prior to taking this course. However, attendees who have an understanding of call detail records, providers, and cell phone technology are also welcome to attend.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
Collin College Fire Instructor 1 (Online) (Certification)
Introduction to the investigation of fires and explosions of known and unknown origin, including investigative techniques, collection and preservation of evidence, case preparation and presentation, point-of-origin, and arson law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will take the state certification exam for Fire Investigator on September 28, 2026.
Registration Fees:
$162 per student AND $55 TCFP Exam Fee
*Excellence Fund is applicable to course fee for eligible Collin County firefighters
Click on the link below to go to the Collin College course flyer
(NTFIA) Monthly Meeting / How the LEPC Can Help Fire Investigators
Denisse Martinez of the Assistant Chief of Dallas County’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. She is also the Director of Dallas County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). She will give a presentation about what the LEPC in each county does, and how their resources can aid Fire Investigators. Her brief will include information about Tier 2 reports (which are annual inventories of the hazardous materials stored at the many facilities whom are regulated/monitored by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act), the LEPC’s state-wide resources and contacts, and how their collective of emergency management agencies, first responders, and industry representatives work together to understand chemical hazards in the community, develop emergency plans in the event of an accidental release, and look at ways to prevent chemical accidents.
NTFIA will hold our monthly meeting prior to the presentation.
NTFIA Meeting - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
LEPC Class - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Information about the Collin County LEPC can be found at: Collin County | Fire Marshall: Local Emergency Planning Committee
Ms. Brandi Bullard - 972-548-5576 - bbullard@co.collin.tx.us
Information about the Dallas County LEPC can be found at: Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Ms. Denisse Martinez - 214-653-7980 - Denisse.Martinez@dallascounty.org
Information about the Kaufman County LEPC can be found at: Office of Emergency Management | Kaufman County, TX
Mr. Steve Howie - 469-376-4190 - Steve.howie@kaufmancounty.net
Information about the Denton County LEPC can be found at: Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) | Denton County, TX
Mrs. Samantha Taylor - 940-349-4285 - emergencymanagement@dentoncounty.gov
All other Texas LEPC points of contact can be found at: Texas Local Emergency Planning Committees
Click on the link below to go to the Dallas county LEPC’s website
(TEEX) Death Investigation
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.
Registration Fees:
$650 per student.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Click on the link below to go to the course website
(NTFIA Meeting) Evidence and Diagramming / Armstrong Forensic Labs / Followed by Haag
Dr. Kelly Wouters is the Laboratory Director at Armstrong Forensic Lab. He will give a presentation about what the lab has to offer Fire Investigators, what technology they use to get results and how it works, as well as what the lab wants from the Investigators on scene that are responsible for collecting evidence.
Immediately following the presentation, NTFIA will hold our monthly meeting.
NTFIA End of Year Meeting (Discussion on Emerging Technologies)
Join us for our end-of-year meeting where we will hold elections for the 2026 NTFIA officers. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow investigators and discuss the future of our organization.
Following the election, we will have an open discussion on the impact of emerging technologies in fire investigation, including 3D scanning, LiDAR, sketching, and AI. Come prepared to share your insights and experiences on how these advancements are shaping our field.
This is free to our members. Lunch from Babe’s Chicken Dinner House will be provided, but you must register. We look forward to seeing you there for an engaging and informative meeting.
Battery Basics for the Fire Investigator, How They Work and How They Fail.
This course will focus on batteries, their operational principles, failure mechanisms, and basic investigative protocols associated with battery fires. This course will specifically discuss lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and lithium-metal batteries, their applications, and how and why these batteries fail. After this course, the fire investigator will have a greater understanding of the fundamental concepts associated with batteries and how to best investigate battery-related fires. This course will also discuss safety issues and regulatory guidance, including evolving hazards related to these types of fires and investigative methodologies and include a case study discussing battery failures and pre-cursors.
Instructor Bio:
Brittany Brown is the Chief of Fire Prevention at the Leawood Fire Department. Brown has previously served as a Division Chief for the South Adams County Fire Department and has worked as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for both New Mexico and Texas, and served as a fire marshal and firefighter in New Mexico, Texas, and Kentucky. Brown has worked as a Professor at Eastern Kentucky University and currently teaches for the National Fire Academy, The Southern California Safety Institute, and previously taught for the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy. Brown is currently pursuing a PhD in Forensics from Oklahoma State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Brown also serves as a SME/committee member for NFPA, ICC, NICET, OSAC, and IFSTA.
Dallas Youth Fire Prevention Class and NTFIA Officer Nominations
Training Session: Youth Fire Prevention (YFP) Program Development The Dallas Fire Investigation Division will present its current processes and strategies for Youth Fire Prevention. This class is ideal for any department, city, county, or organization seeking to establish or enhance a YFP program.
November Monthly Meeting & Officer Nominations Following the training, we will hold our monthly meeting. The November meeting is crucial, as we will be accepting nominations for the 2026 NTFIA officer positions.
If you would like to volunteer for a position or nominate a colleague, please plan to attend. If you are unable to be present, you may submit your nomination by emailing admin@ntfia.com.
This class will be free to attend.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees. We look forward to your participation.
Hands-On Fire Investigation Class
This lesson focuses on fire origin and cause investigations using both classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. Students will spend three hours in a classroom learning the theoretical foundations based on NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033, followed by three hours of practical fire scene investigation. The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of fire scene examination, evidence collection, fire dynamics, and report writing. This class will be capped at 21 students.
Lunch will be provided
2025 Texas Fire Marshals Conference
Join fire prevention professionals from across Texas at the TFMA Annual Conference—the premier event for education, networking, and leadership development in fire investigation, code enforcement, and community risk reduction. Featuring expert-led sessions, hands-on training, and pre-conference classes, the event offers valuable opportunities to stay current on best practices and emerging trends. Whether you're a seasoned fire marshal or new to the field, this conference equips you with the tools to better protect your community.
TFMA Member Pricing - Register by October 10 to receive discounted pricing. Rates increase October 11.
Pre-Conference - Monday (only) - $100
CRR/Public Education Day - Tuesday (only) $125
Conference (Tuesday-Friday) - $400
Pre-Conference AND Conference (Monday-Friday) - $500
Non-TFMA Member Pricing -- Register by October 10 to receive discounted pricing. Rates increase October 11.
Pre-Conference - Monday (only) - $200
CRR/Public Education Day - Tuesday (only) $225
Conference (Tuesday-Friday) - $500
Pre-Conference AND Conference (Monday-Friday) - $600
Click on the link below to go the the TFMA website for more information
Photography Basics / NTFIA Monthly Meeting
08:00 - 12:00 Photography Class
12:00 - 13:00 NTFIA Meeting
Instructor: Dr. Paul Ayers.
Participants should bring and a good working DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Fire Investigation Hypothesis Development / NTFIA Monthly Meeting
This will be a two-hour class on preparing your hypothesis(es) for your fire investigation. The Goals for the course are:
Identify all potential ignition sources, not just the obvious ones.
Understand the critical flaw of using Negative Corpus.
Recognize and counter your own cognitive biases.
Apply the principle of Falsification to rigorously test your hypotheses.
Confidently determine when a cause is "probable" versus when it must be classified as "undetermined."
After the class, NTFIA will host our monthly meeting.
Instructor - Joshua Detzel
*Class location is subject to change.
2025 Tarrant County Fire & Arson Investigator Conference
Tarrant County is hosting their annual Fire & Arson Conference.
TCFAIC Excerpt:
We’re excited to invite you back to the 2025 Tarrant County Fire & Arson Investigator Conference, where professionals from across the region gather for high-impact training, expert instruction, and valuable networking. This year’s conference is scheduled for August 25 – 28, 2025 at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex in Fort Worth.
NTFIA Monthly Meeting
We had some cancellations and will not be having the Dallas YFP team. They had some last-minute developments, and we will try to get them re-booked for a future date. The meeting will be a general assembly meeting at the Irving & Grand Prairie Joint Fire Training Facility (4850 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75038).
11:00 - 12:00 - Officers’ Meeting
12:00 - 13:00 - NTFIA Monthly Meeting
July 2025 Build Day and Monthly Meeting
Instead of a meeting, we will have a build day to prep for the upcoming class. We will build miniature burn cells.
We will take a break for lunch at noon, and have the monthly meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting, a Microsoft Teams invite will be available. You can use the same RSVP link below to sign up for the meeting, just mention attending via Teams.
Breakfast and Lunch will be included for those participating in the build.
June 2025 General Meeting
We invite you to our upcoming June General Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. For those unable to join us in person, a Microsoft Teams link is available below for virtual participation.
NTFIA Annual Poker Tournament
This will be our 1st Annual Poker Tournament, and we are very excited about this new fundraiser! We believe it will provide a fantastic opportunity for community engagement and support important initiatives. Your participation is vital, whether you want to be a sponsor, contestant, or simply a spectator enjoying the event. Join us as we come together for an evening of excitement, camaraderie, and fundraising for a worthy cause. Please sign up to be a part of this memorable event!
LLRMI Critical Evidence in Cell Phone Investigations
In this class the attendee will be instructed on the many different ways Cell Phones can be used in investigations. While many police officers have been using cell phones, many don’t know all of the ways that cell phones can help solve their crimes. Cell phones evidence can exist in many places, the records, the device, and even the cloud. And in a best case scenario, we will want to get all of that data and compare it. This course will cover all of those ways, explain how to get the evidence, preserve is, and prepare it for trial.
Innovative Tools for Preventing Ignition During Construction Phases - NTFIA and FPANT Joint Training
To enroll in this class, you will need to go to the TEEX Flyer listed below.
Fires in buildings under construction continue to be a growing concern across North Texas and beyond. While code enforcement and planning play a critical role, emerging tools and technologies offer additional layers of protection during vulnerable build phases.
Join us for a special presentation and live fire demo led by M-FIRE Suppression. This training will focus on proactive solutions being deployed to reduce ignition risk in multifamily construction, including the use of non-toxic, environmentally safe fire inhibitors.
Through real-world case studies and a side-by-side burn comparison of treated vs. untreated structures, this session will offer valuable insights into the role innovation can play in reducing fire spread and supporting prevention efforts.
FREE for Members
$85 for Non-Members
A Continental Breakfast & Lunch will be provided.
4 CEUs will be issued by TEEX for this training topic.
NTFIA April Meeting - Fire Investigator K9 Class
LOCATION: Irving and Grand Prairie Joint Fire Training Facility - 4850 North Belt Line Road, Irving, TX 75038
Captain Jason Martinson with the Lewisville Fire Department and his K9 partner, Celina, will be presenting at our April meeting. The presentation will be about an hour long. Captain Martinson will explain what he and Celina are able to do on a fire scene such as, how/why arson investigators would use K9s, what kind of training the K9s and handlers undergo, K9 resources in our area, reasons to call for an accelerant K9, what K9 handlers are looking for while on scene, how the handlers would like us to prepare the scene prior to their arrival, what kinds of scents the K9s can detect as well as what materials confuse them/can cause false positives, how to reference a K9 supplement in your report, what the K9 handler would be responsible for if your case were to go to court, as well as a question/answer session.
Investigating CAT Fires: Training and Panel Discussion
NICB Course
As Californians begin to rebuild following the devastating wildfires, NICB believes unprecedented levels of fraud will be attempted and/or committed. Join us for this panel discussion led by industry experts to gain valuable insights into the complex world of fire investigations, the varying forms of fraud that may occur during the fire recovery process, and the vital role NICB plays in protecting these at-risk communities.
NTFIA Monthly Meetings
This will be our normally scheduled monthly meeting. These occur on the third Wednesday of every month. This month our host will be Gather located at 207 E. Virginia St, McKinney TX.
Fire Investigation Scene Evidence Collection
CCFIA and NTFIA are proud to present our comprehensive Evidence Collection Course, designed to equip fire investigation professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective evidence handling. This interactive, hands-on class will be held in a classroom setting, providing a collaborative learning environment for participants to gain practical experience.
Participants will learn the best practices and techniques for collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence at fire investigation scenes to ensure its integrity and admissibility in legal proceedings. Topics will include the identification of critical evidence types, proper chain of custody procedures, and the use of specialized tools and equipment in the field.