Fire Investigation Training and Workshops

John J. Lentini, CFI, D-ABC can provide on-site training to your staff in a comprehensive 3-day course:

Chapter 1

Fire and Science Introduction, Fire and Science: Intertwined Development The Scientific Method - Recognition of Fire Investigation as a Science, Development of Standards: NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033, The Role of the Players Involved in Fire Investigation

Chapter 2

The Chemistry and Physics of Combustion, Fire and Energy, Units of Measurement for Fire Properties, Energy, Temperature, Power and Flux, States of matter, Basic Combustion Chemistry, Properties of Matter, Response of Solids, Liquids and Gases to Heat

Chapter 3

Fire Dynamics and Fire Pattern Development, Ignition, Spontaneous Ignition, Chemical Ignition, Flames, Compartment Fires, Fire Pattern Development, Ventilation, The “Z-Factor”: Elevated Origins, Computer Fire Modeling

Chapter 4

Fire Investigation Procedures, Planning, Right of Entry, Safety, Origin Determination, Cause Determination, Evidence Collection, Fatal Fires, Documentation, Report Writing and Record Keeping

Chapter 5

Analysis of Ignitable Liquid Residues, Separation Methods, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, The Meaning of Positive and Negative Findings, Identity of Source

Chapter 6

Evaluation of Ignition Sources, Joint Inspections, Electronic Device Failure Modes,Lithium Ion Batteries, Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), Kitchen Ranges, Coffee Makers, Deep Fat Fryers, Heating Appliances, Water Heaters, Clothes Dryers, Fluorescent Lights, Recessed Lights, Exhaust Fans, Service Panels, Oxygen Generators, Scenario Testing, Following Up

Chapter 7

Practical Examples, Arson Fires, Dryer Fires, Electrical Fires, Fluorescent Light Fires, Gas Fires, Heater Fires, Industrial Fires, Lightning Fires/CSST,Water Heater Fires, Code Violations

Chapter 8

The Mythology of Arson Investigation, Myths And Legends, Toxic Literature, Alligatoring, Crazed Glass, Spalling, Irregular Patterns, Furniture Springs, Melted Metals, Low Burning, “Fast” Burning

Chapter 9

Sources of Error in Fire Investigation, Overlooking Critical Data, Misinterpreting Critical Data, Misinterpreting Irrelevant Data, Ignoring Inconsistent Data, Two-dimensional Thinking, Poor Communication, Faulty Chemistry or Engineering, Practical Examples Of Investigations Gone Awry

Chapter 10

The Professional Practice of Fire Investigation, Identifying Stakeholders, QA 101, Standards, OSAC Business Practices, Pro Bono Work, Serving as an Expert Witness, Advocacy, Discovery, Courtroom Testimony, Direct Examination, Cross-examination

Interested?

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Course outline
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