Fire + Explosion Investigation + Analysis
From on-site investigation to evidence examination and testing, we provide comprehensive fire investigation services supported by an in-depth knowledge of fire science.
Clear Answers to Complex Questions
Our technical staff are drawn from both the fire science and firefighting communities and their combined expertise allows us to advise on all aspects of fire including development and spread. Our approach has been proven over decades of experience, research, and participation in building and fire code development, as well as the investigation of thousands of fires and explosions related to industrial, commercial, residential, heavy equipment, vehicle and marine cases.
Fire Origin + Cause
Determining the origin and cause of a fire is the critical first step in most fire investigations. Our expertise in real-world cause and origin analysis encompasses comprehensive scene documentation, evidence collection, and detailed burn pattern assessment. By rigorously applying the scientific method, we collect and synthesize data, formulate hypotheses, and thoroughly test them to establish a well-substantiated area of origin and cause, grounded in case facts and fire science principles. Our in-depth analysis of fire dynamics, pattern formation, and damage assessment enables us to develop practical forensic tools for fire scene investigations, such as spill fire pattern interpretation and ignitable liquid residue sampling.
Battery Fires
Battery failures are a common culprit in fire investigations. As experts, we are uniquely positioned to determine the origin and cause of almost any battery-related fire. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have become the dominant rechargeable battery chemistry for consumer electronics, thanks to their higher energy densities. We help you understand why lithium batteries fail and conduct detailed analyses of battery remains to pinpoint whether the battery was the source of the fire and identify the specific mechanism of battery failure.
Commercial + Industrial Fires
Fires in commercial equipment or industrial settings occur frequently and lead to business interruption, lost revenue and significant repair costs. Our team of experts determine whether the fire was caused by a lack of maintenance, operating procedure, manufacturing defect or a failure of the suppression system. This information can be critical in receiving insurance payments or pursuing litigation.
Electrical Fires
Our electrical forensic analysis services investigate utility power, electrical distribution, appliances, electronics, and battery systems to determine the cause of failures. Fires in structures, vehicles, systems, or devices often involve the electrical components that powered or controlled their operation. We conduct testing and develop forensic methodologies to evaluate a range of electrical devices, including receptacles, low-voltage systems, and battery-related fires.
Vehicle + Plant Fires
We investigate a range of vehicles, including standard road vehicles and prototypes, as well as large heavy machinery such as those used in the agricultural, industrial and construction industries. We cover fire and explosion investigation, root cause failure analysis and provide advice to client on recovery or repudiation prospects. Our investigators are also experts in lithium-ion battery technology – an increasing threat in electric and hybrid vehicles, and always stay up-to-date on recall notices.
Domestic Fires
The experience of a domestic fire can be traumatic often resulting in the loss property and disruption to everyday life. Domestic fires can occur for numerous reasons. Utilizing industry-accepted forensic methods, our team of fire investigators will objectively survey the damaged scene to establish origin and cause of fire with the prospect of recovery, repudiation and liability in mind. Our findings and conclusions will support insurers claim decisions by helping them determine whether a fire was accidental, natural or deliberate.
RELATED INSIGHTS + RESOURCES
Blog + Whitepaper
Batteries in Household Waste – An Increasing Fire Hazard
Gregory Maines explores how Lithium-ion batteries revolutionize industries for climate-friendly solutions but highlights the environmental challenge of millions of tonnes of battery waste generated yearly due to their limited service life.
MEET OUR EXPERTS
PHD, Infrared-Active Sensors for Inhomogeneous Systems, BSC (Hons), Applied Chemistry, Level 5, Skills for Justice Fire Investigator, Member, Member, Member
MSc, Fire Investigation, Member, Certified Fire Investigator, Senior Fire Investigator Examiner, Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Award, Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Certificate, IQ Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, City and Guilds 2382, EAL Level 2 Certificate, Class 2 Vehicle Mechanic R.E.M.E., Fire Services Examination Board (FSEB) Station Officers Exam, FSEB Sub Officers Written and Practical Exams, FSEB Leading Fire-fighters Written and Practical Exams
MSc, Fire Investigation, Criminal Justice Technology, Military Policing, Managing Safely, Certified Fire Investigator, Fire Investigation Technician, Certified Professional Coach, Past Member, Member, Member, Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence, Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation, Certificate in Maritime Fire Safety, Certificate in Maritime Safety Management & the ISM Code
MSc, Forensic Science, BSc, Forensic and Environmental Analysis, Associate Member, Member, Member, Member
MSci Forensic and Analytical Science, Member, International Association of Arson Investigators, Member, UK Association of Fire Investigators, Associate Member, Royal Society of Chemistry
MSc, Fire Investigation, Managing Safety Course, Foundation and Practical Fire Investigation Courses, 62 online training programmes, Evidence Collection Technician, Expert Witness Evidence, Complex Arson Investigation for the Insurance Industry, Member, Certified Fire Investigator, Member
Biotechnology (Hons), Member, Certified International Post Blast Investigator, Certified Fire Investigator, Member, Member
MSc, Fire Scene Investigation, BSc, Forensics Chemistry, Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence, Member, Member, Member
Forensic Science, Forensic and Environmental Analysis, Professional Diploma in Insurance, Certified Insurance Practitioner, Member, Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence, Fire Investigation Technician, Member
MSc, Forensic Engineering and Science, BSc, Forensic Biology, Member, Member, Languages- English (fluent), Languages- Arabic (fluent)
Forensic Engineering, Fire Science & Fire Investigation, Mechanical Engineering, Ordinary and Advanced City and Guilds in Mechanical Services
