Envista's forensic fire and explosion investigation experts have multidisciplinary expertise in origin and cause, fire science, engineering, and chemistry.
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According to the NFPA, fires in the United States in 2022 resulted in roughly 3,800 fatalities, more than three times as many injuries, and an estimated $18 billion in direct property loss.
With the staggering potential risks to life and property, the cause of every fire and explosion must be carefully investigated. Our teams of fire forensics experts have the knowledge required to conduct and manage complex fire investigations. We have the experience needed to steer the investigation from the initial site inspection through expert courtroom presentations.
Fire investigations play a pivotal role in legal and insurance contexts, providing vital information to resolve disputes, support litigation, and implement safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Forensic Fire investigation is the discipline dedicated to investigating the origin and cause of fires and explosions. By adhering to the scientific method and applying the principles of fire science and fire dynamics, fire investigation experts are able to identify the origin of the fire or explosion. Once the origin has been determined, our experts, using a systematic process, continue their investigation to determine potential causes and the factors that contributed to the fire's outbreak and spread.
According to the NFPA, fires in the United States in 2022 resulted in roughly 3,800 fatalities, more than three times as many injuries, and an estimated $18 billion in direct property loss. With the staggering potential risks to life and property, the origin and cause of every fire and explosion should be thoroughly investigated.
Our team of highly qualified fire investigation experts has the knowledge, experience, and training to conduct and manage fire and explosion investigations ranging from small residential losses to large, complex investigations. Our experts have the requisite experience needed to lead the investigation from the initial site inspection through expert courtroom testimony.
When the investigation requires, our fire investigation team of experts uses a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating fires and explosions. By using a multi-disciplinary approach, our fire investigation experts are able to draw on expertise from a multitude of engineering experts, including electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, fire protection engineers, and materials experts.
Our findings are then conveyed in a clear, concise manner that is easily understood by non-technical experts.
To enhance our investigations, we utilize advanced technologies such as 3D scanning. This cutting-edge tool enables our experts to create detailed 3D walkthroughs of the fire/explosion scenes, facilitating remote viewing and superior scene documentation.
During the scan, detailed measurements collected provide the data necessary for direct input into Xactimate and CoreLogic to assist with adjusting the loss.
Additional photos and notes taken during the scan of evidentiary items and such are embedded into the scan allowing clients to easily view during the scan tour. These 3D scans allow clients to virtually experience a fire scene without physically visiting the loss site, providing quick answers and efficient case management.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable investigators has the expertise to investigate a wide range of fire incidents, including:
The collection and preservation of evidentiary items are foundational to the fire and explosion investigation process. Investigators follow defined procedures and protocols to ensure all evidence is properly collected and remains uncompromised.
Evidence can be many things that vary from the photographs and notes taken during an investigation, which comprises part of the data that is analyzed and used to form hypotheses, to physical items of evidentiary value that can be collected and subsequently examined by an engineer during a laboratory examination. Physical evidence can include items such as the remains of electronic devices or batteries, appliances, exemplars, and debris samples collected for laboratory analysis.
The process of collecting and preserving physical evidence begins with a comprehensive, detailed, scene examination. During the examination, the origin of the fire is determined first, and potential causes, and ignition sources, that reside within the area/room of origin are identified. Once identified, detailed information about the item(s) is gathered and relayed to the client. The items are then thoroughly documented using still photography, 3D scanning, sketches, and written descriptions. An assessment of the loss site's ability to be secured is conducte,d and the evidentiary items, when the integrity and safety of the item can be ensured, are secured at the loss site for future joint scene examinations with other parties of interest.
When applicable, physical evidence is carefully collected using industry best practices. The item(s) is stored and sealed in appropriate containers to prevent contamination or damage to the item(s). Following physical evidence collection protocols, chain of custody forms are completed listing, among other information, the date of loss, date of collection, loss address, individual collecting the item(s), a description of the item(s), and specific location within the fire scene it was collected.
The chain of custody form then tracks every piece of evidence from the loss site to secured evidence storage locations, to the laboratory for detailed examinations, and, if necessary, into the courtroom.
In the laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the evidence undergoes rigorous analysis by experienced and highly qualified engineers using advanced methods and techniques to accurately determine failures and provide reliable results supporting robust legal and insurance claims.
Expert witness testimony is a critical component of successful, legal, outcomes related to fire and explosion investigations. Investigators, utilizing their experience, training, and knowledge of fire science, fire dynamics, and investigative techniques, offer credible and informed expert opinions to judges, legal professionals, and juries.
These opinions are the outcome of a thorough analysis of all data collected during the investigative process and the rigorous testing of hypotheses resulting from the data analysis. This objective assessment is presented through detailed reports, visual aids, and clear, concise, and competent testimony. Opposing expert opinions are critically analyzed to highlight inaccuracies during arbitrations and trials, further bolstering legal cases and strategies.
Through the culmination of comprehensive scene examinations, thorough data collection, robust testing of hypotheses and concise reports, investigators are able to provide reliable and repeatable conclusions that will prevail under the most critical of challenges.
Envista Forensics is a trusted leader in fire and explosion investigations. Our experts are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and experience necessary to deliver reliable results. From initial site assessments to expert testimony, we provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique demands of each case.
If you need a fire origin and cause consultant, explore our expert directory or contact us today to learn more about our services.
Please visit our expert directory.
We have experts in multiple disciplines all around the world. Talk to us and we'll help you find the right expert for the job.
