Dr. Chelsey Juarez, associate professor of anthropology at Fresno State, will co-host the Central California Forensic Fire Death Investigation Academy from Monday to Friday, April 20 to 24. The academy will train first responders to better assist in the search and recovery of human remains resulting from fatal fire mass disasters. A collaboration between Fresno State, Fresno City College and the Fresno Fire Department, the academy is bringing professionals from all over California to assist with training and recovery exercises.
The all-day sessions will be held primarily at the Fresno City College First Responders Campus (3300 E. North Ave.) and will welcome forensic scientists and police, fire, coroner and related professions, such as medical doctors, district attorney staff and students. Sessions offer an interdisciplinary emphasis on wildfire science, how bodies react to burns and many aspects of search and recovery skills and techniques.
The academy also offers research opportunities for scientists studying wildfire. Several Fresno State anthropology and construction management faculty are conducting related research.
Juarez is one of about seven forensic anthropologists throughout the state with expertise in human remains searches in wildfire investigations. She has shared her experience with emergency support teams at disasters across the state, including the Altadena Fire, Borel Fire, Creek Fire and Palisades Fire.
INFO: Dr. Chelsey Juarez, chelseyjuarez@mail.fresnostate.edu.
