Why Forensic Engineers Are Essential in Fire Investigations

When a fire devastates a property, it leaves behind more than just charred remains—it leaves a trail of questions. What caused it? How did it spread? Could it have been prevented? For insurers, attorneys, and property owners, uncovering these answers is essential to determining liability and resolving claims.

Fire investigations are rarely straightforward. Each event is unique, shaped by countless variables—from the materials involved to the circumstances leading up to the incident. Even experienced investigators can face significant challenges when piecing together the story behind a fire. That’s where EDT’s engineering expertise provides a critical edge.

How Guidelines and Expertise Shape Fire Investigations

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines for conducting fire investigations. Adhering to NFPA 921 ensures your methodology is credible and will withstand legal scrutiny. But guidelines are only part of the equation—who conducts the investigation is equally important. 

While many fire investigators are certified by the National Association of Fire Investigators, only some are also professional engineers. When a fire occurs, a certified fire investigator who is also a professional engineer can deliver a detailed and accurate analysis.

The Role of Forensic Engineers in Fire Investigations

A professional engineer provides the technical knowledge and training needed to investigate the many devices and systems that can cause fires. Specific systems – like space heaters and furnaces – can be complex and understanding them is critical for identifying the source of a fire. 

Inside the Process of a Forensic Fire Investigation

Forensic fire investigations are thorough, methodical and always follow the scientific method. The on-site portion begins with a comprehensive building walk-through, analyzing burn patterns and structural damage such as the location of charred wood to narrow down where the fire could have started. 

The engineer draws a detailed map of the area where they suspect the fire broke out, noting the dimensions of all key components. They then undertake the painstaking process of sorting through every bit of matter, documenting the scene with photos, and collecting anything that appears valuable to the investigation. They also work to isolate damage caused by water and other fire suppression methods that can obscure relevant details. 

Once those steps are complete, they move to the lab, using advanced equipment and testing methodologies to assess the evidence and arrive at a conclusion. Any investigation that has not ruled out every other hypothesis along the way is an investigation not worth reporting.

Examining Every Detail in a Fire Investigation

Many systems and components can serve as a fire’s heat and energy source:

• Lithium-ion batteries can become flammable if damaged or manufactured incorrectly. Battery fires can also often occur when a device is charging, left out in the sun, or under other circumstances.
• Space heaters and duct heaters can ignite, and their functionality makes them challenging to assess and analyze.
• Buildings out of code are more prone to fire from sources like faulty electrical wiring.
• Improper maintenance can also cause fires like a high-end restaurant that suffered an explosion after a third-party crew cleaned a pollution mitigation device and failed to place it back correctly.

At EDT, our value extends beyond pinpointing the cause. Sometimes, the answer is inconclusive—especially in cases where evidence has been destroyed or compromised. Even then, our role is to provide clients with clarity on what didn’t happen and guide them in navigating claims or litigation.

Choose EDT for Trusted Fire Investigation Support

As I often tell clients, “We’ll give you the best answer possible.” That promise reflects not just our technical rigor but also our commitment to providing actionable insights, whether for an insurance claim, litigation, or simply peace of mind.

Every fire tells a story. Our job is to listen to the evidence, apply engineering principles, and provide answers that empower our clients to act. Whether it’s identifying a faulty device or debunking a myth, EDT delivers investigations rooted in objectivity, precision, and expertise.

If you’re managing a fire-related claim and need technical answers you can trust, EDT is here to help. Schedule a call with EDT to learn more about our fire investigation services and how they can support your insurance claim. If you have a project that needs attention now, complete our file assignment form to get started. 

About the Author

Lucas Brown, P.E., CFEI, is a mechanical consulting engineer at EDT Forensic Engineering and Consulting. He leverages more than a decade of experience to evaluate the origin and cause of fire and explosion, and to provide consultation related to mechanical systems and machinery, HVAC systems, mechanical design, failure analysis, damage assessment, and the interpretation of codes and standards.