Every fire investigation starts with two questions: where did the fire start, and what caused it? Our fire cause and origin investigations answer them with evidence, and go further when a claim or dispute depends on who or what was responsible.
Origin and Cause, Explained
The origin is where the fire began. The cause is what started it: the first fuel, the ignition source, and the circumstances that brought them together. We establish both, because the evidence for one informs the other.
We investigate fires in buildings, vehicles, equipment, bulk materials, energy assets, and the wildland. Where it would help show how the fire grew and spread, we can use computer fire modelling.
What a Fire Origin and Cause Investigation Involves
We examine the scene, the physical evidence, and the records to establish where the fire began, what ignited first and what provided the ignition source. We test every hypothesis against the evidence and do not stop at the first plausible cause.
A typical fire scene investigation covers:
- Scene Examination & Documentation: recording the damage and fire patterns before anything is moved.
- Evidence Collection & Preservation: securing items for later examination, including joint examinations with other parties.
- Records & Witness Accounts: maintenance records, alarm and CCTV data, utility information and statements from those present.
- Laboratory & Engineering Analysis: examining failed components to establish whether a fault, defect, or misuse contributed.
- Testing & Reporting: weighing the alternative explanations and setting out our findings clearly.
Stepping In at Any Stage
We can lead from the first scene visit. We can also step in after another investigator has examined the scene and collected the baseline data, and take on the tougher, case-defining questions. Did the fire protection system operate as designed? Do metal shavings in the engine oil point to mechanical failure? Did a product contribute to the fire’s growth?
Who We Help
Insurers, subrogation teams, legal firms, property owners and operators rely on our cause and origin investigations to support claims, subrogation, and litigation. From a single dwelling to a large industrial site, our fire incident investigation work gives decision-makers findings they can act on.
Our investigators are prepared to give expert witness evidence where a dispute goes further.
Need a Fire Cause and Origin Investigation?
Contact our fire investigators before the scene is closed.
How can we help you?
