Executive Summary
- The Nashville Fire Marshal’s Office reported a 19% increase in investigation calls in 2025.
- Two new investigators were hired and began work this week to manage the growing caseload.
- Officials attribute the rise in calls to rapid city development rather than an increase in arson.
- The new staffing model ensures investigators work in pairs to improve safety during late-night operations.
The Nashville Fire Marshal’s Office recorded a 19 percent increase in investigation calls throughout 2025, prompting Metro officials to fund two additional investigator positions to address the rising workload associated with the city’s rapid expansion. The new personnel began their duties this week, marking a strategic shift to maintain operational efficiency amidst growing demand.
Deputy Fire Marshal Chad Young attributed the surge in calls to Nashville’s overall growth and development rather than a specific spike in arson cases. According to Young, the department operates continuously to determine the origins of fires when causes are unknown or circumstances appear suspicious. He noted that as the department’s total call volume increases, the necessity for specialized investigations into causation naturally escalates.
The investigative process involves comprehensive scene examinations, including the use of accelerant-detecting canines and the analysis of burn patterns. Recent operations have included inquiries into incidents such as a fire at the Nashville Library’s parking garage. To manage these duties, the office maintains a 24-hour on-call rotation. The addition of new staff allows for improved resource allocation and ensures that thorough data collection continues to provide answers for property owners and residents affected by fire incidents.
Operational safety served as a primary driver for the staffing increase. Young emphasized that investigators frequently work late hours in potentially hazardous environments, making it essential to deploy personnel in pairs. This protocol ensures mutual safety during on-scene assessments, particularly during night shifts when visibility and environmental control are reduced.
Operational Infrastructure & Safety Outlook
The expansion of the investigative unit highlights the logistical adjustments required by municipal agencies during periods of significant urbanization. While the statistical rise in investigations correlates with population density rather than a criminal trend, the move to double-up investigators aligns with modern safety protocols for personnel operating in uncontrolled environments. Officials have indicated that future staffing levels will remain contingent on continued monitoring of call volume trends to ensure adequate coverage for the growing metropolis.
