Laboratory Inspection for Public - Private Fire Investigation Interface Training

As a continuation to the training that Genesis Forensics offered the Central and Metrowest Massachusetts public Fire Investigators in October 2022, the group gathered recently for a mock laboratory examination of the evidence taken from the scene. (Click here to read more about the initial live-burn training.)

The origin of the fire was determined to be in a small kitchen, and so the appliances taken for evidence included collected debris, a range, microwave, toaster, and an air fryer that was left on the range stovetop. The refrigerator was ruled out at the scene so it was not taken as evidence. For the purpose of assisting public fire investigators to understand further private insurance-related investigation, the attendees were divided into teams representing various interested parties, such as the building insurance and the various appliance manufacturers and the evidence was fully examined.

Following NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, the teams worked to fully inspect each item of evidence in order to rule out the items to eventually determine the specific cause (including determining the ignition source, first fuel, and mechanism that brought the ignition source into contact with the first fuel). This included meticulous evidence handling, documentation of the process, cooperation across teams, disassembly of the evidenciary items, testing of components and exemplar components, microscope work, conferring with engineers and independent research.

After careful evidence examination, the teams determined that the cause of the fire was due to Insignia airfryer, and was related to the current recall.

This laboratory examination gave a realistic first-hand experience in the next step in the process of the lifecycle of a subrogation-style case, of which most public fire investigators do not get to participate.

By offering these trainings to our local public fire investigation teams, Genesis Forensics aims to build trust and cooperation between the public and private sectors. Understanding the job responsibilities and efforts for the entire fire-inspection-subrogation lifecycle is beneficial for all parties involved.