This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of fire investigation, including the scientific methods used in a vehicle fire investigation. Students will learn a simple process which investigators follow from start to finish during an investigation, including recalls, research, and documentation, ensuring students are equipped to conduct thorough and professional investigations.
Course length: 4 or 8 hours
Electric Vehicles
This course is a basic overview of electric vehicles and their supporting infrastructure, such as their batteries and failure points. Students will learn new terminology, which is utilized for report writing, along with providing recommendations and courses of actions while collaborating with municipal fire departments and private industry. Videos and photographs from recently completed and active cases will be used to enhance students’ understanding and scene analysis.
Course length: 8 hours
Solar Panels and the Investigator
This course provides the investigator with a basic understanding of solar panels and their systems, including scene safety and how to properly document all components of the system. Case studies and recent scene examinations will be utilized to further develop the investigator’s methodological process when conducting investigations and analysis, aiding in their development of a hypothesis.
Course length: 8 hours
Field Interviews and Interrogations
The “Field Interview” is the most basic and common approach for an investigator to meet someone in the field, while conducting his or her investigation. Your interaction with the person, to include the memorializing and testifying to the facts obtained during the field interview, can either make or break your investigation, which will lead to an “Interview and Interrogation” that ultimately will be deemed admissible/suppressed by the courts, and/or a not guilty/guilty verdict in the courtroom or deposition. Participants will learn the importance of the field interview from the beginning of their investigative process, which starts in the field; to an “Interview and Interrogation,” which will subsequently lead them to the courtroom. Participants will learn the importance of extracting information in the field and the “Interview and Interrogation” without compromising their investigation and giving information out. Topics discussed will be mannerisms; courtesy; people skills and professionalism. All the above concepts are driven from your people skill and more importantly, your “Interview and Interrogation” skills.
Fire Patterns
Understanding fire patterns is crucial in fire investigation, as they provide valuable clues about how the fire behaved, where it likely started, and what might have caused it. These patterns are the result of how heat, flame, and smoke interact with the surrounding materials and structures during a fire. By analyzing the types, shapes, and locations of fire patterns—such as V-patterns, clean burns, and protected areas—Accurate interpretation of fire patterns helps ensure reliable conclusions, supports legal proceedings, and can ultimately aid in preventing future fires
Course length: 4 hours
Fire and Explosion Investigation
This 4-hour lecture provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of fire and explosion investigation. Students will explore the dynamics of explosions, types of explosive incidents, and how explosions differ from typical fire scenes. The course covers key topics such as blast pressure effects, identifying explosion patterns, evidence collection, and scene safety protocols. Real-world case studies and visual examples will be used to illustrate investigative techniques and support hands-on learning. By the end of the session, students will understand how to analyze explosion scenes, recognize indicators of origin and cause, and apply fundamental investigative procedures in both accidental and intentional events.
Course length: 4 hours
Fatal Fire Investigation
This lecture focuses on the specialized process of investigating fires that result in fatalities. Students will learn how to approach fatal fire scenes with a balance of forensic rigor and sensitivity. Key topics include fire scene preservation, victim location and movement, burn pattern analysis related to human remains, and the determination of cause and manner of death. The session also covers coordination with medical examiners, handling of potential criminal elements, and the importance of thorough documentation. Real-world case studies will help illustrate best practices and common challenges in fatal fire investigations.
Course length: 4 hours
Appliance Fire Investigation
This lecture introduces students to the fundamentals of investigating fires caused by household and commercial appliances. It covers the common types of appliances involved in fire incidents, potential failure points, and how to distinguish between appliance malfunction and other ignition sources. Topics include identifying electrical and mechanical failures, recognizing signs of arcing or overheating, collecting and preserving appliance evidence, and consulting manufacturer data. The session emphasizes proper methodology, documentation, and coordination with forensic electrical experts. Case examples will highlight both accidental and suspicious appliance-related fires.
Course length: 4 hours
Building Construction for the Fire Investigator
This lecture provides fire investigators with essential knowledge of building construction and how it impacts fire behavior, spread, and structural collapse. Students will examine different construction types, materials, and structural components, and how they react under fire conditions. Key topics include fire resistance ratings, load paths, concealed spaces, and building modifications that can affect fire development and investigation. Understanding construction features enables investigators to assess fire damage more accurately, identify potential origin points, and ensure scene safety during investigations.
Course length: 4 hours
Basic Electricity for the Fire Investigator
This lecture introduces fire investigators to the basic principles of electricity as they relate to fire origin and cause determination. Students will learn about electrical components, wiring systems, circuit behavior, and common electrical faults that can lead to fires. Topics include identifying signs of arcing, short circuits, overloads, and distinguishing fire-caused damage from fire-induced damage. The session also emphasizes scene safety when dealing with energized systems and outlines proper evidence handling procedures for electrical sources. A clear understanding of electrical systems helps investigators make informed, accurate assessments in fire scenes involving potential electrical ignition.
Course length: 4 hours
Complex Fire Scene Investigations
This lecture focuses on the challenges and methodologies involved in investigating complex fire scenes, where multiple variables and potential ignition sources are present. Students will explore advanced investigative techniques used in large-scale, multi-room, multi-origin, or heavily damaged fire scenes. Key topics include scene reconstruction, layered fire analysis, dealing with structural collapse, coordinating with multiple agencies, and managing contaminated or compromised evidence. The session also highlights the importance of thorough documentation, use of scientific method, and critical thinking when facing conflicting indicators. Real-world case studies will be used to illustrate best practices in navigating high-complexity investigations.
Burn Cell Demonstrations: can be integrated into any four-hour program or delivered as a standalone, full-day experience tailored to your specific needs."
Course length: 4 hours
Legal Courses Overview
We offer a variety of specialized courses on legal topics relevant to fire investigation, including evidence handling, subrogation, and other critical areas of law and procedure. These courses are designed to help investigators understand legal responsibilities, maintain the integrity of evidence, and navigate the legal processes involved in fire-related cases. Whether you're preparing for courtroom testimony or working with insurance and liability claims, our legal courses provide the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need.
Fire Science
Includes Fire Dynamics, Fire Chemistry, and Myths & Legends in Fire Investigation. Covers a large range of topics from the fire tetrahedron to heat release rate, heat flux, and more.
Course Length 4 or 8 hrs
Myths & Legends in Fire Investigation
Reviews case studies and research on common fire investigation myths and their validity.
Available as a 2- or 4-hour session.
Report Writing
Focuses on authoring effective origin & cause reports, the importance of technical reviews, and preparing every report as if it will be used in court. Includes real-world examples.
Course Length 4 hours.
Large Scale Fire Investigation Scene Management
Covers coordination between police and fire using the ATF National Response Team model, including team roles, daily briefings, resource use, and evidence handling.
Course Length 4 hours.
Arson Evidence Collection
Instruction on identifying and properly collecting evidence in suspected arson scenes.
Course Length 2 hours.
Fires at Buildings Under Construction
Analyzes the frequency, causes, and consequences of fires in buildings under construction. Discusses arson risks, preventative measures, and fire response training.
Course Length 2 hours.
Fundamentals of Arson Investigations
Distinguishes between fire and arson investigations, and incendiary classifications. Topics include interviews, timelines, bias, evidence handling, and arson motives.
Course Length 2 hours.
Persistence of Ignitable Liquids on Unburned Substrates
Presents findings from a published case study between myself and the ATF Forensic Laboratory on ignitable liquid residue persistence.
Court Length 2 hours.
If you're unsure what you're looking for within our legal course offerings, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help guide you to the most appropriate option.
Our cadre of instructors are extremely familiar with crime scenes and fire scenes both large and small.
