Fire Origin and Cause

Fires and explosions often destroy the evidence of their origin, which makes determining the cause of the event, and the reasons for the extent of damage, a difficult undertaking requiring specialized expertise. PLC assists clients in determining the root cause of a fire based on investigative techniques, assesses the effects of thermal and smoke damage in and around the fire compartment and content surfaces, identifying fire patterns and causal factors and apply this information within a process to identify the area of origin.

Establishing the cause of a loss and identifying factors contributing to the extent of the loss is necessary to prevent similar incidents and to correctly assign liability.

How PLC Can Help

PLC’s team uses fire dynamics, engineering judgment and our experience to investigate the thermal and smoke damage and determine the origin of the fire and the probable cause of the fire. PLC services most industries and is 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 which 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, PLC’s 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

PLC’s specialists apply scientific methodologies to reach supportable and defendable conclusions which consider all factors and views of a particular loss. This approach involves collecting facts, gathering evidence, and forming and testing hypotheses.  Findings are discussed with the client and, where appropriate, and then documented in a report.  Prior to finalizing a report, all investigations are subject to an internal, formal quality review, to ensure technical accuracy.