What is CCFFDIA?
The Central California Forensic Fire Death Investigation Academy (CCFFDIA) is a 5-day  intensive training, education, and research academy focusing on the recovery and processing of  fatal fire scenes with a special focus on the wildland urban interface. The academy is a collaboration  between California State University Fresno, Fresno City College and the Fresno Fire Department. This 5-day academy will consist of two days of lectures (in-person only) and three days of onsite hands-on training and research data collection using donated human bodies. The inaugural academy will occur April 20-24, 2026.

Who can attend CCFFDIA?
The academy  provides training and educational opportunities for forensic professionals that respond to fatal fire scenes (e.g., fire, coroner/medicolegal death investigators, law enforcement/crime scene investigators) and other specialists. In addition, the academy also provides educational research opportunities for forensic scientists (fire scientists, forensic anthropologists, biologists, etc.), enrolled university students, medical doctors, district attorneys, and medicolegal investigators who would apply under the category "other". Private citizens are not permitted to attend. 

What is the application process for  CCFFDIA?
You can apply by clicking the “apply now link” on the front page or navigating to the application tab. The CCFFDIA has four categories  (Fire, law enforcement/ crime scene investigation, coroner/medical death investigator, and other). Each category has an allotted number of spots and only individuals in that profession will be allowed to register for that category (see the table in the application link for specifics). Each applicant is required to fill out the application in its entirety, applications include information that will be used to validate your application.  Submitted applications will receive a time stamp and be added to the application list for your section. Once your credentials are validated, you will receive an email indicating your status as either "waitlisted" or "registered". For those that receive the "registered" email you will be given a payment link and a date and time when payment is due. Your spot is only secured if you pay for the course by the allotted time indicated in your payment link details. 

What is the cost to attend  CCFFDIA?
 Course fee is $1400. Course fee includes daily lunch and Monday evening dinner, room and board not included.