The Investigation Division of the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office is comprised of two units: the Fire Investigation Unit and the Explosives Unit. The Fire Investigations Unit provides experienced fire investigators to assist local fire departments and law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fires and explosions. This assistance is provided when a request is made by the local jurisdiction. The investigators conduct criminal investigations when the incident is determined to be criminal in nature, such as arson.

Investigators with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office are sworn law enforcement officers and carry out all aspects of criminal investigations, including the arrest and conviction of arsonists. The Investigation Division conducts polygraph examinations in relation to these criminal investigations.

The investigators are also active educators across the state, teaching courses on various topics including fires, explosives, investigation techniques, and criminal procedures. The unit has one accelerant canine team to assist with fire investigation.

The Fire Investigation Unit also certifies fire investigators for local fire departments. This certification allows investigators to have law enforcement authority when conducting fire investigations. There are currently two certification levels: CFI I and CFI II.

The Explosive Unit manages the program dealing with explosive and fireworks licenses and permits for the State of Kansas. One investigator is assigned to this unit and conducts explosive storage site inspections and complaint-drivin civil and criminal investigations. The investigator associated with this unit - as well as the investigators under the Fire Investigation Unit - respond to pre- and post-blast incidents. Explosive safety, awareness, and investigative classes are conducted for both the public safety community and the private explosive industry.

In October of 2003, the Investigation Division acquired an explosive-detection canine to assist with investigation. K9 AJ and handler Wally Roberts are the newest additions to the Explosive Unit.

The Investigation Division maintains investigative files and databases for investigations and both explosive and fireworks licensing. The division utilizes the NCIC system for background checks on all explosive and fireworks licensing applications. The Investigation Division works and cooperates with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in reference to investigations, data sharing, and licensing.