When a vehicle, train, or aircraft is damaged by fire, the questions come quickly: what started it, who is responsible, and what does it mean for the claim? Neale Consulting carries out vehicle fire investigation across road, rail, and aviation, giving insurers, operators and legal professionals clear, scientifically sound answers.
Our multi-disciplinary team brings together fire specialists, engineering, materials, fuel systems, and human factors expertise, together with knowledge of the standards, codes, and regulatory frameworks that govern transport systems.
Road Vehicles
We investigate the causes of fires across passenger, recreational, and commercial vehicles, including for car fire insurance investigations.
Our case-specific experience spans:
- Passenger & Recreational Vehicles: passenger cars (SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks), sports cars, pickup trucks and light trucks, motorcycles, and motorhomes and RVs – including their propane systems and onboard generators.
- Electric & Hybrid Cars: where a lithium-ion battery may be involved.
- Commercial & Fleet Vehicles: tanker trucks (fuel, LPG, and chemicals), refrigerated trucks, tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, flatbeds, car carriers, tippers and dump trucks, buses and coaches, refuse trucks, box trucks, delivery vans and utility vehicles, including truck fire investigation for fleet operators.
Rail
From locomotives to light rail, we investigate fires on rolling stock and in the places where it is serviced and stored:
- Locomotives, passenger cars, light rail and metro cars, and high-speed trains.
- Tank cars, bulk freight cars, intermodal and container cars, and flatcars.
- Maintenance-of-way equipment, rail yards, and depots.
Aviation
- Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, light aircraft, balloons, and drones.
- Hangars and ground-fuelling operations.
What We Determine
Our investigations are thorough and forensic, and seek to determine:
- Where the Fire Started: on the vehicle, train or aircraft, and what ignited first.
- Which System Failed: fuel, electrical, mechanical, braking, exhaust, or battery.
- Contributory Factors: maintenance, repair, modification, operation.
- Who or What Was Responsible: for subrogation, warranty, and liability purposes.
Some transport incidents involve serious injury or loss of life. We carry out every investigation with care and respect for those affected.
Who We Help
Thanks to our independence, Neale Consulting is able to work with a wide variety of parties, including insurers, subrogation teams, legal professionals, fleet operators, rail and aviation operators and vehicle owners. We are also able to act as expert witnesses where required.
Need an Investigation?
Then contact Neale Consulting as soon as possible. Contact us with as much information as possible about the case/investigation. The earlier we can investigate, the better.
How can we help you?
