Mental Health and Wellness

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, the 988 Lifeline is here.

You can call, text or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor

for confidential help anytime, day or night. You are not alone. Call 988.

Fire investigators are exposed to emotional stressors in the course of their work, including fire fatalities, hazardous conditions, near misses, and injuries and illness. Many fire investigators come to the job with experience in the emergency services, carrying with them the weight of those responses. And, like everyone, fire investigators have personal and family issues that weigh on them. Many fire investigators aren’t used to talking about their mental health, emotions, and difficult experiences.

The IAAI Health & Safety Committee Mental Health Working Group devises strategies and resources to help fire investigators improve their mental health, wellness, and resilience. Current activities include membership surveys and creating a Behavioral Health Access Road Map in cooperation with other organizations to help guide fire investigators in how to access mental health assistance. The Mental Health Working Group’s longer term goal is to identify mental health resources in each US region and internationally.