Arson Investigator Buddy Thompson supervises this section of the Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire Investigations staff conducts fire scene origin and cause investigations in an effort to prevent future occurrences of fire. Staff performs criminal investigations regarding arsons, bombings, and associated criminal activities.
Fires that are believed to be arson, suspicious, or involving a serious fire injury or fire death are referred to the Asheville Buncombe Arson Task Force (ABATF). This unit was formed in 1992 in conjunction with Asheville Fire-Rescue, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Asheville Police Department, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and Ron Moore, 28th District Attorney. Our representative within the Arson Task Force is a firefighter as well as a sworn law enforcement officer.
We have a unique program where certain Deputy Fire Marshal's work a 24hr shift. Three DFM’s work under the supervision of the Arson Investigator. Most personnel work a day shift while these three work a rotating 24 hour shift. These DFM’s are also our liaisons to the other divisions on matters regarding code enforcement, fire investigations, and pre-incident planning. They can also bring additional needed resources to emergency scenes.
This section works out of the Harley Shuford Building at 300 Merrimon Ave.
Contact Information
Arson Investigator
Buddy Thompson
Phone: (828) 255-5321
Email: bthompson@ashevillenc.gov