Fire & Explosion Investigation

Fires and explosions can cause extensive damage in residential settings as well as industrial facilities. A lot of work is expended in order to understand the cause and origin of a fire or explosion. It’s important to determine the true cause of the fire in order to prevent future fires or explosions and to determine who or what is responsible. The investigative process is thoroughly discussed in NFPA 921 – Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. This link is to the most recent version of the guide on the National Fire Protection Association’s website. The current edition of NFPA 921 can always be found on the NFPA website.

Our Experience Covers Both Residential and Industrial Losses. Some of the Types of Investigations We Have Been Involved With Are Outlined Below:

Supposed Explosion at Coal Storage Facility (>$20M USD)

It was alleged that a concrete structure at a coal storage and distribution facility collapsed as the result of an internal explosion. The investigation involved determining whether conditions within the silo were conducive to a dust explosion (was there enough oxygen? did dust exist? was the dust dispersed? was there an ignition source? was the dust in a confined space?). The investigation showed that there was no explosion.

Fires Relating to Lithium Ion Batteries (~$1M USD)

A number of fires were the result of a portable power unit used for laptops. The unit relied on lithium ion batteries as the energy source. The process involved a forensic examination of the battery packs (failed as well as exemplars), review of interview statements, examination of they were stored and used, and non-destructive examination of partially burned units via X-ray. An important question that needed to be addressed in this investigation was whether there was adequate cooling for the battery packs, or did they overheat due to an internal thermal runaway.

Fire in Laundry and Storage Facility (>$5M USD)

A industrial building that contained a laundry facility and appliance storage space was a total loss in a fire. In representing the fire alarm company, the investigation centered on the cause and origin as well as why didn’t the fire alarm system go off and notify the local fire department.

Fire Due to Battery Powered Toy (~$50K USD)

This was a small residential loss where a battery powered toy was being used, then parked, and shortly thereafter a fire started in an unattached garage. The investigation found that the the toy was located in the origin of the fire and it was determined to be the cause of the fire as well. A high resistance connector was suspected of generating enough heat to melt the plastic, ignite old newspapers in the area, which led to a fire in the garage that spread throughout the garage until it was extinguished by the local fire department.

Natural Gas Explosion in a Residence

The gas supply system to the residence leaked, allowed natural gas to enter the home and disperse itself at combustible levels. The gas leaked prior to the gas meter located outside the house. The explosive mixture ignited when someone flipped the main circuit panel breaker – igniting the gas. Luckily, there was no loss of life, but individuals near the ignition source were injured and suffered some burns to hands, etc.

Call us today if you need assistance with the investigation of a fire or explosion. Being involved from the start helps insure that no vital evidence is destroyed or lost inadvertently. Dr. Clarksean is an expert in fluid mechanics and heat transfer as well as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).