Fire and explosion investigators gather and analyze evidence to determine the origin and cause of fires. The information they deduce about a particular fire or explosion is often used for insurance claims or as legal evidence in the case of lax safety standards, criminal negligence, and even arson. Becoming a fire investigator requires a deep understanding of how fires start and spread, and the circumstances that can lead to unexpected explosions. Working in a fire department can provide much of the knowledge needed to become a fire investigator, and studying fire science academically is a great way to gain the required skills for this fascinating career field.
The websites listed here are operated by professional fire investigators, attorneys, fire scientists, and other professionals in the industry. This is not a ranking or comparison of these individuals and companies, but a compendium of informational resources intended to be useful to fire science students or anyone else seeking to become involved in fire investigation.
National & Regional Organizations
Large organizations like the National Association of Fire Investigators are working to bring fire investigators together to develop the profession, set industry standards, and push forward the education of fire investigators across the U.S.
-
International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc.
The International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc. is an association of more than 7,000 fire investigation professionals from across the world, united by a strong commitment to suppress the crime of arson through professional fire investigation. -
National Fire Protection Association: Fire Investigations
National Fire Protection Association: Fire Investigations provides comprehensive services that detail how these investigations can become more thorough, while ensuring they’re completed in a timely manner. -
National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards & Technology details how to increase fire safety and ensure that people have access to all the resources that make these incidents preventable. The site displays content related to news, conferences, events, and a variety of useful products. -
Texas Department of Insurance: Fire Investigations
The Texas Department of Insurance: Fire Investigations is important to the state for addressing fire scene investigations. Their arson laboratory is well-known for its thoroughness, which is how they’ve been able to help those around their state. -
National Association of Fire Investigators
The National Association of Fire Investigators is an association of Fire Investigation professionals dedicated to the education of fire investigators worldwide. -
Fire Investigations | City of Fort Worth, Texas
The policy of the Fort Worth Fire Department is to investigate all fires that occur within it’s jurisdiction. A report is generated for every incident to which the Fire Department responds. -
Santa Clara County Fire Department Fire/Arson Investigation
Investigation of fires provides information on the origin and cause of local fire problems, provides information to the local news media regarding fire safety education and helps with Arson Awareness Week. -
Fire and Life Safety – Fire Investigation – Yakima County
The Yakima County Fire and Life Safety investigates arson and reckless burning for the city of Yakima and Yakima Valley. -
Fire Investigators – Orange County, New York
Fire Investigators – Orange County, New York helps determine the cause and origin of fires, while researching new ways to prevent them. This expert team has been crucial to ensuring the safety of all residents of Orange County. -
Illinois Division of Arson Investigation
The State Fire Marshal’s Office provides professional personnel and programs for the citizens of Illinois and is committed to protecting life and property from fire and explosions through inspection, investigation, training, education, data processing and statistical fire reports. The agency mission is to “Reduce death, injury and property loss of Illinois citizens from fires, explosions and other hazards.” -
New York State Fire Investigators Chapter 23
This is the New York State Association of Fire Investigators and Internal Association of Arson Investigators. It’s an information site to keep members of Chapter 23 up-to-date in their local sector. -
New Hampshire Office of the State Fire Marshal Investigations
The New Hampshire Office of the State Fire Marshal Investigations looks into all fires, collapses of buildings, carbon monoxide, and more to ensure the public is the safest possible. Through their use of accelerant detecting canines, they’ve been able to solve countless cases. -
Maine Office of State Fire Marshal Investigations Division
The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal Investigations Division is known for the impressive services they provide individuals throughout the state and investigate fires, explosions, and follow through on other investigations. -
California Conference of Arson Investigators
The California Conference of Arson Investigators holds events and training to ensure that the state of California has the most qualified arson investigators possible. Their website is dense with content and paints an accurate picture of what it’s like to work in this occupation. -
National Association of Fire Investigators
The National Association of Fire Investigators is the professional organization that unites fire investigators from around the country to provide articles, resource links, and scholarships to prospective members. Additionally, they also hold seminars regularly. -
Georgia Fire Investigators Association
Georgia Fire Investigators Association unites fire investigators from across the field living in Georgia and regularly holds meetings and events to improve the services offered their communities. The newsletter makes great supplementary content as well. -
Fire Investigation Unit – City of Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee brings together various local and state entities to create the Fire Investigation Unit that has been able to bring greater awareness and understanding to the issues facing families and businesses when trying to understand the cause of a fire. The site proves useful for those not living in the Milwaukee area to see how a fully functional fire investigation unit operates. -
Alaska Association of Fire & Arson Investigators
Alaska Association of Fire & Arson Investigators ensures that all residents of Alaska have a capable team for getting to the bottom of fire investigations, while engaging in the latest training events. Fire investigators throughout the state will be impressed by the large amount of resources available on the site. -
Maryland Fire & Explosive Investigator’s Association
Maryland Fire & Explosive Investigator’s Association has helped unite individuals across the state to encourage more of a community and solve issues that can prevent professional growth. -
Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association
The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association is a thorough site that details how professionals in Florida can enhance their training and find upcoming events related to fire investigations.
Private Firms
Private fire investigation firms are a key part of the fire and explosion investigation business, and some of them keep detailed blogs that can be highly informative for a student who is new to fire science.
-
Unified Investigations and Sciences, Inc.
Unified Investigations and Sciences, Inc. uses a background in engineering to inform them in origin-and-cause investigations. The firm is large enough to address even the most complex cases, while ensuring a tactful approach. -
Tetra Fire & Explosion Investigators
Tetra Fire & Explosion Investigators drives the industry forward with their team devoted to legal case reviews while also determining the cause and origin of fires. The founder of Tetra Investigations has worked in the industry for over 30 years, so is well-versed in the best approaches for all types of investigations. -
McDowell Owens
McDowell Owens has been around for over 25 years and is based in Houston, Texas where their forensic engineering skills have allowed them to excel at fire& explosion analysis, accident reconstruction, electrical failure analysis, and much more. The site also features many useful news pieces and articles. -
Providence SIS
Providence- Specialized Investigative Solutions, is a licensed and insured professional investigation company with over 200 collective years of investigative experience. They specialize in claims investigation for the Insurance Industry, but handle criminal and other types of investigations. They serve Michigan and Ohio. -
IRIS Fire Investigations
IRIS Fire Investigations, Inc. was started in 2002 to provide fire and explosion origin and cause investigations, litigation support, training, and consulting. -
Bloom Fire Investigation
Bloom Fire Investigation conducts Fire Cause & Origin examinations, as well as case analyses and litigation support. -
Fire – Explosion Investigation – SEA Limited
S-E-A, Ltd. is a recognized worldwide leader in forensic analysis, research and testing. A full-time, court-qualified staff provides a wide range of services to reveal the cause of failures—or to mitigate the risk of them happening in the first place. Biomechanical, civil, electrical, material and mechanical engineers, fire investigators, chemists and industrial hygienists interact in a multi-disciplined environment to provide thorough and independent analyses. -
Key Fire Investigations Inc.
Key Fire is a professional, fast-growing, and results-oriented forensic consulting company specializing in the origin and cause of fires, vehicle theft analysis, forensic engineering, and emergency board-up. -
Fire Investigation Services
Fire Investigation Services is an Ohio-based private investigation firm that provides a complete, thorough, and accurate investigation into the origin, cause, and responsibility of fire and explosion incidents, primarily for the insurance industry. -
Burgoynes – Forensic Investigators
Burgoynes conduct forensic scientific and engineering investigations of fires, explosions and other major accidents, and serve as expert witnesses. -
Firensics, Inc.
Firensics, Inc. is an independent fire investigation company dedicated to providing the highest quality forensic investigations of fires and explosions in the industry. -
InterScience, Inc.
Interscience provides you with the answers you need following fire losses. Using proven techniques, they perform thorough fire and explosion investigations to find specific causes. In-house secure evidence storage is also provided. -
Yates & Associates, Inc
Yates & Associates Inc., investigates fires & explosions, and presents the factual information discovered during the investigative process. -
John Michael Agosti & Associates Fire Investigators: The Arson Expert
With over 28 years of fire department experienced coupled with 16 years in the private sector, Mr. Agosti has completed over 1800 fire investigations, explosions, and life safety incidents. He has testified in both federal and state courts for both plaintiff and defense clients in both civil and criminal matters. -
Robson Forensic Inc.
Robson Forensic, Inc. is the leader in forensic engineering, providing superior technical expertise, expert testimony and scientific investigation to the legal profession and the insurance industry. -
Kevin B. Hays Fire Consulting, LLC
This company provides forensic origin & cause fire and explosion investigations, along with expert consulting for fire and explosion cases. They also specialize in fuel gas fires and explosions involving liquefied petroleum (LP) and Natural gas systems. -
James G. Munger and Associates, Inc.
When it comes to fire protection, James G. Munger and Associates is renowned for their impressive consulting services that include clients such as insurance carriers, architects, contractors, and much more. They’ve been able to make communities safer by ensuring buildings meet the codes and standards administered by the National Fire Protection Association. -
Nederveld – Forensic Engineering & Fire Investigation
Forensic Engineering & Fire Investigation from Neverveld is an important page for those in the Midwest looking for services for such as an expert witness, fire investigations, product inspections, water intrusion, and more. They also hold regular workshops that those looking for careers in fire science. -
J. Scrivner Investigations, Inc.
J. Scrivner Investigations, Inc. specializes in fires, accidents, and injuries. Their experience of over 25 years makes them an esteemed resource for those in northwestern United States. -
Allrisk Engineering Inc.
Allrisk Engineering Inc. has developed a significant portfolio of top-notch consulting services that help assess, evaluate, and mitigate risk related to high-hazard industrial operations. They’ve developed a tailored approach called the “Allrisk” Property Insurance Survey, -
HAAG Engineering
HAAG Engineering are experts at civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, and more. They use this wide-ranging experience to analyze systems for fire cause and origins, along with evaluations of various accidents. -
FX Engineering, Inc.
FX Engineering, Inc. focuses on fire investigations, as well as explosions, and reconstruction initiatives. Their site also features a number of useful publications they’ve been involved with. -
Premier Claims Investigations
Premier Claims Investigations works on subrogation identification and development, while also examining arson fraud. They’re well-known for their investigative services and have proven to be exceptional at helping others get to the bottom of investigations. -
Angelo Pisani
Angelo Pisani LLC has an impressive resume of clients he’s worked with as a fire investigator. He served 20 years working for the government of New York City and now works for St. John’s University as a professor in their forensic fire investigation department. -
Quest Fire Analysis
Quest Fire Analysis has been around since 2005, founder Thomas B. Sing brings more than 30 years of experience as a state investigator to the job. The company has provided a variety of services, including consultation, methodology review, and litigation support. -
Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. are experts at fire and explosion analysis, making them a great organization to check out if you’re interested in getting involved in fire science. The site breaks down their services into various types of disasters and circumstances, which is how it’s proven so useful. -
Kodiak Fire & Safety
Kodiak Fire & Safety are known for their thoroughness related to fire investigations, even to the point of purchasing a small plane to study these issues. Their website also features a great section on lab services. -
Premier Fire Consulting Services, LLC
Premier Fire Consulting Services, LLC examines the various causes of fires and attempts to study their origin. With an impressive array of services, companies and homeowners alike will find this site useful. -
Martin Thermal Engineering, Inc.
Martin Thermal Engineering, Inc. is useful because they examine all types of fires and explosions that require engineering knowledge to determine the causation. Their particular insight makes them well-suited for this job and they’ve analyzed flash fires, dust and vapor deflagrations, and more. -
Forensic Fire Consultants, Inc
Forensic Fire Consultants, Inc has been around for 25 years and support attorneys offices by investigating fires and explosions. The company is heralded for the depth of their investigations and the results yielded. -
Carman & Associates Fire Investigation
Carman & Associates Fire Investigation does a great job determining the origin of fires and explosions throughout the west coast from their California headquarters. The award-winning organization has assisted attorneys and individuals alike get to the root of fires. -
Southern Fire Analysis
Southern Fire Analysis has been working for the insurance industry for nearly 30 years and helps determine the cause of a fire, namely the rising occurrence of arson. As experts in explosion analysis and subrogation, they’ve help establish themselves in the field. -
Firemark-Investigation
Firemark-Investigations is run by an expert arson investigator who brings 25 years of experience working in a fire department to the job. They’ve investigated over 6,000 fires, which ensures the highest quality investigation possible. -
HSM Consulting
HSM Consulting stresses accountability when it comes to their fire investigations and they work across the country to help clients look into other issues as well. Their expertise is well-documented and ensures the most thorough procedures are explored. -
Fire Investigation – Donan
Fire Investigation – Donan explains how important it is to hire an industry professional to investigate fire and explosion origins. The content on the site makes it much easier to understand how Donan is able to lead the way. -
Fire & Explosion Investigation – Wolf Technical Services, Inc.
Fire & Explosion Investigation – Wolf Technical Services researches and investigates explosions, residential fires, large loss experience, and subrogation for purposes of determining the origin and cause. The site has extensive content on accidents and crash data as well. -
Elite Investigation Group
Elite Investigation Group is comprised of the best trained investigators to look into various cases involving fires to determine their origins. Based in Michigan, they’re heralded for their commitment to excellence. -
Western States Fire Investigations
Western State Fire Investigations looks into various cases involving fires and determine the best solutions to finding their cause. Their commitment to this impressive undertaking is only further emphasized through the certifications they’ve secured as well. -
Jack Ward Fire
Jack Ward Fire provides services around the world aimed at investigating fires to determine their origin and cause. They regularly participate in events around the country aimed at informing individuals further on fire investigating. -
Bison Engineering, Inc.
Bison Engineering, Inc. provides comprehensive services that involve failure analysis investigations, forensic engineering, fire investigation, and more. They’re highly skilled at accident reconstruction, which can be the difference in understanding how certain incidents occur. -
John A. Kennedy & Associates
John A. Kennedy & Associates brings unparalleled experience to clients as the oldest fire investigation firm in the world. Featuring a wealth of certifications and accreditations, the organization shows impressive insight. -
Schroeder Fire
Schroeder Fire specializes in fire and explosion analysis. The site provides useful pictures and information that makes it easier to understand how to engage in quality fire research. -
F.I.R.E. Service
F.I.R.E. Service has an impressive display of content to ensure that fire inspection and analysis is done in the most thorough manner possible. The site features a display of educational content that is hard to match and is sure to update with the latest news. -
Valentine & Associates
Valentine & Associates does incredibly important work by analyzing fire suppression systems, commercial cooking ventilation systems, and much more. The site outlines their forensic engineering investigating methods that have propelled them to the top of the field. -
Associated Fire Consultants
Associated Fire Consultants is an Arizona-based company made up of professional fire investigators and they focus on fire and explosion origin, along with consultation and litigation. -
Casto Investigations, Inc.
Casto Investigations, Inc. provides services to Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia and has over 30 years of experience. Richard Casto has conducted over 4,000 investigations related to fires and explosions, so is sure to bring a wealth of experience to the job. -
ACS Investigative Services
ACS Investigative Services works to help individuals solve the problems related to fire and explosion related incidents. By helping determining the cause and origin of these unfortunate events, they’re able to assist families, attorneys, and insurance companies in the facilitation of support. -
NEFCO Fire Investigations
NEFCO Fire Investigations takes is made up of fire analysts in the South, Midwest, and Northeast that was founded in 1993. The organization is made up of over 70 investigators committed to fire investigation. -
Advanced Investigative Solutions
Advanced Investigative Solutions helps citizens throughout British Columbia to explore the options related to fire investigations and their staff are members of a number of accredited organization that ensure the highest quality professionals in the field. -
National Loss Consultants
National Loss Consultants are revered for their steadfast commitment to understanding the importance of determining how a structure has caught fire or collapsed. Their services have been vital for conducting tests that can get to the bottom of various issues quickly and accurately. -
ESI Fire & Explosion Analysis
ESI Fire & Explosion Analysis is regarded for their impressive contributions to analyzing and researching hazardous materials, chemical plants, storage tanks, and more. The fire investigation team has found success in a variety of environments, which has been vital to determining how fires have occurred. -
Dahl & Associates, Inc.
Dahl Associates, Inc. works in a variety of settings to provide professional investigation services. Through scene processing, burn pattern analysis, and many other services, they’ve been able to provide some of the most comprehensive fire and explosion analysis. -
CASE Forensics: Fire & Explosion Investigation
CASE Forensics: Fire & Explosion Investigation has the track record to support their ability to determine cause and origin of fires and explosions. The organization emphasizes an astute ability to find the most comprehensive solution regarding investigations. -
Fire Facts Incorporated
Fire Facts Incorporated provides a wonderful array of information regarding fire and explosion investigations, suppression evaluations, cross examination strategies, and even fire investigation training. They have an annual seminar that provides worthwhile training information to even the most seasoned professional. -
O’Donnell Consulting Engineers, Inc. Fire/Explosion Investigations
O’Donnell Consulting Engineers, Inc. Fire/Explosion Investigations looks into fires of all sorts while adhering to all fire codes. -
State Wide Consulting & Investigating
State Wide Consulting & Investigating serves select parts of the Midwest and works tirelessly to determine the robust causes of fires and explosions. In addition, the organization features a canine accelerant detection team that can locate trace amounts of chemicals that often result in explosions or fires. -
Virginia Fire Investigation Company
Virginia Fire Investigation Company is run by John R. Palmer who brings 30 years of experience to the job, 12 of which he worked as part of the fire marshal’s office. While holding numerous certifications, he’s also a member of a number of professional organizations, which helps assert the company’s quality. -
Barnett Forensic Services
Barnett Forensic Services is an organization that has been around for over 25 years and works on fire investigations, crash reconstruction, and various engineering services. Based in Noblesville, Indiana, they’ve been renowned for their ability to help local communities get to the root of unfortunate events. -
LWG Fire & Explosion Analysis
LWG Fire & Explosion Analysis are experts at investigating residential fires, commercial and industrial fires and explosions, vehicle fires, and much more. By drawing upon multidisciplinary experience, they’re able to approach situations from unique perspectives that prove highly effective.
Explosion Investigation Resources
Some fire investigators specialize in finding the cause and origin of explosions, often in industrial facilities where damaged property and lost productivity from fires can cause major financial burdens.
-
National Institute of Justice: A Guide for Investigating Bomb and Explosion Scenes
The National Institute of Justice: A Guide for Investigating Bomb and Explosion Scenes is a great reference tool for understanding how to respond to disasters related to bombs and explosions. The site features a thorough section on safety equipment and what to do when arriving on site. -
The International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI)
The International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators takes on the vital task of safeguarding communities across the world with thorough bomb safety tactics. The site also features impressive sections on news, charities, and lots of useful resources. -
ISEE – International Society of Explosives Engineers
The International Society of Explosives Engineers was formed in 1974 to promote the safety, security and controlled use of explosives. With more than 4,000 members from 90 countries and with 34 Chapters in the U.S., Canada, and South America, the society is a world leader in providing explosives technology, education, information and promoting public understanding of the benefits of explosives. -
Maksim Smirnou: Fire & Explosion Investigator
Maksim Smirnou: Fire & Explosion Investigator does incredible work throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Utilizing state of the art technology, they’ve been able to stay at the forefront of the industry. -
Fire And Explosion Consultants LLC
Fire and Explosion Consultants, LLC is a private investigation business that provides origin and cause investigation services for fire and explosion losses, small and large, including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial structures, vehicles, and products for the insurance industry. -
Fire & Explosion Investigations Inc.
Fire & Explosion Investigations Inc. has many services including Origin & Cause Investigations, Arson and Fraud and Commercial and Pleasure Craft Marine Fires. Their staff consists of investigators with fire and explosion origin and cause expertise and extensive fire service and law enforcement backgrounds. -
GexCon AS – DSEAR, Fire and Explosion Consultants
GexCon AS – DSEAR, Fire and Explosion Consultants works in safety and risk management related to explosion and fire modeling. They have been around since the 1970s, always emphasizing safety above all. -
Kellough & Associates, Inc. Fire & Explosion Investigations
Kellough & Associates, Inc. Fire & Explosion Investigations ensures that communities throughout Texas will have the investigators needed to address any fire or explosion issues. Since they were established in 1991, they’ve made incredible strides over their nearly 25 years of service.
Fire Investigation Attorneys
Fire investigation attorneys handle the legal side of criminal and civil investigations related to fire and explosion. Often, this means investigating the legitimacy of insurance filings, claims of arson, and general disputes as to who is liable for property damage and other costs resulting from fires.
-
Ulmer & Berne LLP
Ulmer & Berne LLP works in first-party insurance litigation and they provide an incredible amount of experience into issues related to financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, hedge funds, and much more. They’re very active throughout the Midwest and have offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and more. -
Rutter & Russin: Cleveland Investigating Fire Cause Lawyers
Rutter & Russin takes pride in a reputation as precedent-setting attorneys in Ohio insurance law. Their practice for Fire and Property Law include fire loss claims, property loss claims, defending arson investigations, defending fraud investigations, examinations under oath, burn injuries and investigating fire cause. -
McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC
McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC features an impressive array of experienced fire litigators that has formed a team across America to serve the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Formed out of a combination of three leading fire and explosion litigators, the organization has done an impressive amount since their inception in 2013. -
Explosion and Fire Investigation – Michael Best & Friedrich
Explosion and Fire Investigation – Michael Best & Friedrich goes in-depth on their legal services and how they’ve been an integral part to clients solving problems related to fires and explosions. Since determining the exact cause can prove difficult, this organization has been very helpful at alleviating stress associated with it.
Additional Sites & Organizations
There are dozens of excellent websites focused on fire, explosion and arson investigation, from evidence-gathering all the way through litigation. The web is chock full of information for fire science students looking to learn more.
-
Fire Investigation – Firehouse.com
Each month, more than 450,000 fire/rescue professionals visit Firehouse.com, making it the dominant portal for the fire service. The site provides daily and breaking news coverage, featured editorial and training, free email service, community forums, line of duty death rosters, downloadable drills, online shopping, a buyer’s guide and more. In addition, Firehouse.com features special reports from firefighters who are on-site at some of the country’s major disasters. -
Forensic Science Central – Fire Investigation
Forensic Science Central’s detailed section on fire investigations allows users to get all the information desired when it comes to nature & chemistry of fire, ignition, and even outdoor fires. The blog shows how investigators are able to get to the bottom of controversial cases. -
CDC Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
CDC Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program details the harrowing cases of fire fighters who die in the line of duty and details what can be done to prevent it and how investigations must take place. -
InterFIRE Online
InterFIRE Online includes wide-ranging materials that fire investigators will find very useful. They have an online training center and a fire investigation resource center to ensure individuals are the most educated when working in the field. -
CFI Trainer
CFI Trainer is highly regarded for their extensive resource for training fire investigators. The programs on the site look at arc mapping basics, electricity, and many other useful areas. -
Fire Engineering: Fire Investigation
Fire Engineering: Fire Investigation is a compilation of useful articles on investigators who research fires across the country. Supplementing the content with useful buyers’ guides and training, the site excels in helping fire investigators refine their understanding. -
Fire Investigation | Fire Protection Engineering
Fire Investigation | Fire Protection Engineering is a page lush with articles on how to be more efficient at creating infrastructure that is better at withstanding fire damage. Designed for professionals, these pages tell how users can to best approach fire research. -
Fire Investigator Blog
Fire Investigator Blog makes a great resource for individuals looking to improve their professional skills in this exciting field. Posts detail various developments at colleges across the country and scholarship opportunities. -
International Symposium on Fire Investigation
The International Symposium on Fire Investigation is an important yearly event that encourages researchers to submit papers on developments in fire science and investigation. -
Fire Files Software
Fire Flies Software has been crucial to managing records related to fire, arson, bomb, and explosion investigations. Countless companies use this software to ensure records are managed in a timely manner, which proves crucial to solving a case.
