Fire Origin and Cause

Fires and explosions often destroy evidence of their origin, making it difficult to determine the cause of the event and the reasons for the extent of the damage, a difficult undertaking requiring specialized expertise. We assist clients in determining the root cause of a fire using investigative techniques, assessing the effects of thermal and smoke damage in and around the fire compartment and on content surfaces, identifying fire patterns and causal factors, and applying this information within a process to identify the area of origin.

Establishing the cause of a loss and identifying the factors that contributed to its extent are necessary to prevent similar incidents and to correctly assign liability.

How We Can Help

Our specially trained team at PLC, a Jensen Hughes Company, uses fire dynamics, engineering judgment, and experience to investigate thermal and smoke damage and determine the origin and probable cause of the fire. We service most industries and are well-versed in the nuances of each sector. Our experience enables us to correctly identify the most probable cause of the fire and help develop a sequence of events that lead to the fire loss.

Our Expertise

Our loss investigation and forensic engineering services range from file/report review to complete investigation and reporting, and are carried out by experts with the knowledge and experience to assist in explaining fire and explosion events. To every investigation, our team brings expertise in important subjects, including:

Fire cause determination
Fire growth and spread
Fire and explosion dynamics
Modeling of fire events
Identification of factors contributing to the loss
Material flammability
Fire protection system operation/contribution
Role of emergency response in controlling losses
Fire safety codes and standards

Our specialists apply scientific methodologies to reach supportable and defendable conclusions that consider all factors and perspectives on a particular loss. This approach involves collecting facts, gathering evidence, and forming and testing hypotheses. Findings are discussed with the client and, where appropriate, documented in a report. Before finalizing a report, all investigations undergo an internal, formal quality review to ensure technical accuracy.

Protecting Your Interests Through Expert Investigation

When fire or explosion losses threaten your operations, reputation, or financial stability, you need answers you can trust. Our forensic fire investigation services provide the clarity and confidence required to make critical decisions—whether you’re defending against liability claims, pursuing subrogation recovery, implementing loss-prevention measures, or satisfying regulatory requirements. By combining rigorous scientific methodology with decades of industry-specific experience, we help you resolve claims faster, reduce litigation costs, and strengthen your risk-management programs. Our defensible conclusions and expert testimony stand up under scrutiny in legal proceedings, while our insights into contributing factors help you prevent future losses and protect what matters most. From initial scene examination to courtroom testimony, we serve as your trusted technical partner, translating complex fire science into actionable intelligence that supports your business objectives and protects your interests

Download our Complete Services Guide

Our Services Guide provides complete descriptions of all our fire and life safety services, a mapping of services to sectors, plus information about our: