CSI on Fire

Send a text The amazing Vithyaa Thavapalan joins me to talk all things FI — and becomes the very first guest to turn the tables on me! That kind of bold, dynamic energy is nothing new for this powerhouse in the FI space. 💥 Learn more about Vithyaa here: 🌐 vithyaa.com.au – Official Website 💼 LinkedIn – Vithyaa Thavapalan 🧭 Origin & Cause Investigations 🎯 Coaching with Vithyaa 🌏 South Asian Foundation Australia 📸 Instagram – What The Fire When Vithyaa realized her social life was to...

Send a text Fire has secrets that only science can unlock. In this riveting conversation with legendary fire investigator John Lentini, we explore the transformation of fire investigation from subjective interpretation to rigorous science over the past five decades. Lentini's journey began in 1974 at the Georgia State Crime Laboratory, where a young chemist found his calling in a field few wanted to tackle. His candid reflections reveal how he became drawn to the scientific clarity of fire i...

Send a text What drives someone to dedicate their career to sifting through charred debris and solving the mysteries left behind by destructive fires? Aaron Markey, founder of Ignite Investigations, invites us into the high-stakes world of fire investigation in Australia—a field where science, intuition, and resilience converge. Aaron’s journey began unexpectedly during his forensic chemistry studies, when a lab encounter with fire debris sparked a fascination that would ignite a lifelong pur...

Send a text The journey to becoming a fire investigator rarely follows a straight path, and Erik Mickelson’s story is a testament to that. From experimenting with childhood chemistry kits to joining a volunteer fire company during college, Erik’s dual fascination with fire science and criminal investigation came together perfectly when he noticed a posting for an arson task force forming in his county. Despite feeling he had "no business being there," as he humbly puts it, that chance ...

Send a text Randy's story begins with a life-changing encounter with the local fire chief, who recognized his potential and guided him into a career that would ignite his passion for uncovering the truth behind the flames. Listen as Randy vividly recalls the pivotal Paris Grill fire, an arson case that cemented his commitment to the field, and learn how he balanced his academic pursuits with his burgeoning career in fire investigation. Get ready to deepen your understanding of the fire inve...

Send a text Explore the captivating world of 3D modeling in fire investigation with our special guest, Eugene Liscio, whose fascinating journey from aerospace engineering to forensics is nothing short of inspiring. Eugene’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of passion and curiosity. From his early days at McDonnell Douglas, later acquired by Boeing, Eugene's thirst for knowledge propelled him across the globe and ultimately led him to harness his 3D modeling skills in the f...

Send a text Dive into the complex and often overlooked topic of suicide by self-immolation and suicides as James discusses his research and findings from the West Midlands Fire Service and his M.Sc. Exploring patterns and potential indicators, James provides a data-driven analysis aimed at assisting fire investigators and coroners. This episode also sheds light on the importance of controlled burns in professional development and the invaluable lessons they provide in understan...

Send a text Claire Mansi, brings her remarkable experiences to the forefront. From her early days with the Fire Victim Support Unit in East Sussex to becoming a pivotal member of the London Fire Brigade's arson task force, Claire has seen it all. In this episode, Claire unveils her innovative SAFE Project, aimed at transforming young offenders' views on the deadly consequences of arson. Despite setbacks like the disbandment of her task force, Claire's impact on youth and communities c...

Send a text Uncover the secrets behind fire investigations and gain invaluable insights from industry experts on this bi-weekly episode of CSI on Fire. We’re thrilled to bring you exciting updates on upcoming fire investigation conferences in Ireland and New South Wales. Plus, we've got a special shout-out to Scott and Chastity’s InFocus Fire Investigation podcast. Ready to learn the ins and outs of solar panel fire investigations? We take a deep dive into the world of photovoltaic (PV) s...

Send a text What drives someone to set fires, and how can patterns of arson be detected? Join us in this gripping episode of CSI on Fire as we sit down with Ed Nordskog, a retired arson investigator who served 34 remarkable years with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. From his early days as a bomb technician trained by the British Army Bomb Squad to becoming an expert in arson investigation, Ed has handled over 2,100 fire investigations, including more than 60 serial arson cases. His insigh...

Send a text What does it take, to transition from a Thames Valley Police Crime Scene Investigator to a Full time Fire investigator with Essex Fire and Rescue Service? Jessica offers an illuminating comparison between the police force and the fire service, highlighting the differences in workplace culture, rank systems, and public interactions. Learn about the supportive, collaborative environment within the fire service, and the importance of cross-departmental knowledge sharing and co...

Send a text What if you discovered that children often sleep through standard smoke alarms? This unsettling fact is just one of the many revelations in our latest episode of CSI on Fire and has implications in your Fire Investigations. We sit down with Dave Coss, a decorated fire investigator and canine handler, to uncover the critical role of fire investigation dogs in identifying ignitable liquids at fire scenes. From petrol to ethanol, these dogs are indispensable in forensic ...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how a failed attempt at medical school could lead to a thrilling career in fire investigation and becoming one of the most well know FI in the UK? Join us on CSI on Fire as we sit down with Steve Andrews, whose unexpected journey took him from studying zoology and psychology to earning a master's degree in bioaeronautics. Steve's passion for high-risk outdoor activities and a pivotal project on aircraft fire safety steered him into the fascinati...

Send a text "Ive never had a bad experience in Ireland" is a fact I hold true as I talk with Eoin Dempsey, of Garda Síochána fire investigation specialist. Join us for an enthralling episode of CSI on Fire as we sit down with Eoin Dempsey, a seasoned sergeant from Garda Síochána, who has dedicated his life to unraveling mysteries, from homicides to intricate fire investigations. In our discussion, Eoin opens up about his active role in the Fire Investigation Association of Irel...

Send a text Unlock the secrets of fire investigation and fire science with our expert guest, Rory Hadden from Edinburgh University. Rory takes us through his captivating career as a reader at the School of Engineering, sharing insights into his cutting-edge research and the renowned fire engineering group at Edinburgh. Discover the vital mechanisms of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—that are crucial for interpreting fire scenes and understanding fire dynamics.&nbsp...

Send a text Ever wondered what it takes to become a leading expert in vehicle fire investigations? Join us as we sit down with Bob McKay, a seasoned fire investigator from Australia with over 43 years of experience, to uncover the fascinating journey from being a factual insurance investigator to establishing McKay Forensic Investigations. Learn how a critical case involving a flawed expert opinion on a heavy vehicle fire led Bob to seek formal training and carve out a niche in ...

Send a text Ready to unlock the secrets of effective fire scene investigation? Discover the hidden gems of fire investigation and specialized training in our milestone 20th episode of the CSI on Fire Podcast, where we bring you unparalleled insights from industry experts. With special guest Emma Wilson from Prometheus Forensic Services, we promise an episode brimming with captivating narratives and professional growth opportunities. From her intriguing career shift from m...

Send a text Ever wondered what it's like to dissect the aftermath of a fire and uncover the truth hidden in the ashes? Join us as we sit down with David Schudel from Keith Borer Associates, a seasoned forensic scientist with a rich background in both the UK and US judicial systems. How do cognitive biases shape the outcome of criminal investigations? In our conversation, David and I dissect this critical issue, using a compelling case study involving a misidentified arson to illustrate...

Send a text Unlock the mysteries of fire investigation with Ken Roberts, a veteran fire investigator and forensic electrical engineer, whose journey took him from the Royal Navy to examining fire scenes. Discover his pioneering techniques in identifying electrical faults, especially within household appliances like tumble dryers. Gain valuable insights on how Ken collaborates with manufacturers to uncover the root causes of fires, and learn why his multidisciplinary approach is essenti...

Send a text From the heat of frontline firefighting to the meticulous scrutiny of fire investigation, Mike Wisekal of Jensen Hughes takes us on an enthralling journey through his career metamorphosis. Mike Wisekal | LinkedIn Mike Wisekal: Technical Director + Senior Investigator | Jensen Hughes Navigating the specialized realm of marine investigation, this episode unfurls the layers of complexity that come with shipboard fire incidents. Here, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code ...

Send a text From the commando course to shifting sands of geology to the fiery depths of arson investigation, Steve Lloyd's career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. (3) Steve Lloyd | LinkedIn Our latest episode peels back the layers of his story, revealing a tenacious spirit that led him from an army child to a trusted fire investigator. His fascinating tale is a patchwork of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of a true calling that lay hidden amidst life's unpre...

Send a text Discover the transformative world of fire investigation as NFPA expert Bob Duvall takes us on a journey from the analog days to the digital revolution in our latest podcast episode. Robert Duval | LinkedIn NFPA | The National Fire Protection Association Bob's extensive experience, knowledge and skill set unveils the critical role that learning from past tragedies plays in shaping future fire safety practices. Tune in and gain unparalleled insights into how the gritty...

Send a text Embark on a riveting journey with Mick Forbes, a veteran firefighter and fire investigator from Fire Rescue New South Wales. (3) Michael Forbes, AFSM IAAI-CFI CFEI GIFireE | LinkedIn Grasp the global influence of Australia's fire investigation experts as they export their knowledge to nations near and far. Mick, donning the additional hat of President of the New South Wales Association of Fire Investigators, talks about the upcoming conference in October of 2024 New South Wales (...

Send a text Embark on a journey with fire investigation luminary Ricardo Torres as he recounts the transformative path from volunteer firefighter to acclaimed expert in the fiery realm of Latin American Fire Investigation as chief fire investigator with FIG Global Our conversation ignites with Ricardo's personal narrative, entwined with passion and dedication to unraveling the cryptic stories left behind in the wake of devastating blazes. He illuminates the challenges and triumphs inv...

Send a text Ever wondered what it takes to unravel the mysteries of wildfires? Join us as we ignite conversations with two leading lights in fire investigation: Rhodri Jones from the Greater Manchester Fire Service and Richard Woods from Australia. (2) Richard Woods AFSM | LinkedIn (2) Rhodri Jones MSc MIFireE MCSFS | LinkedIn They share breathtaking accounts from their time on the frontlines—Rhodri from the blazing 2018 Manchester wildfires and Richard's transition from policing to fire i...

Send a text When I sat down with fire investigation expert John Lord, something became urgently clear: the invisible health risks to all professions dealing with the ramifications of a fire scene is a critical message and one that should be disseminated far and wide.!!! About Cancer | Cancer Research UK This week on CSI on Fire, John, with his 32 years on the front lines of the Lancashire County Fire Brigade and his groundbreaking work with SIMTRAIN UK Limited, opens up about the unseen dan...

Send a text Embark on an enthralling journey with Dai Hancock, a fire investigation virtuoso whose career spans the escapades aboard fire trucks in West Wales to the meticulous rigor of leading a fire investigation team. Our latest episode invites you to peer into the world of fire service, where Dai shares his transformative path, merging the adrenaline of frontline firefighting with the intricate challenges of statistical reporting and pioneering work in adopting the ISO 17-020 standa...

Send a text Have you ever peered into the charred remnants of a fire scene and pondered what secrets lie beneath the ash? Fire investigator Martin Lown joins us to uncover these mysteries and shares the tapestry of his career, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his path from an outdoor enthusiast to a Fire Investigator. https://www.firewiseacademy.co.uk/ https://www.parklodgeinternational.com/vehicle-fire-investigation-courses/ https://cleanspacetechnology.com/ Discover ...

Send a text Discover the crucial interplay between aesthetics and safety as fire engineering expert Matt Bonner from Trigon Fire Safety joins me, to dissect the essential components of fire safety in modern building facades. Matt brings his extensive research experience into the spotlight, revealing the science behind designing structures that not only look good but that should protect lives. Our conversation navigates the precarious balance between design requirements and stringent s...

Send a text Ever wondered how a mechanical engineering draftsman's career ignited into one of the UK's most respected fire investigation expert's ? Dr. Peter Mansi joins us to fan the flames of curiosity, recounting his serendipitous shift into the London Fire Brigade and far far beyond. The labyrinth of fire investigation unfolds as Pete imparts his wisdom on building construction and fire dynamics, while my own backstory of joining the police force to becoming a plumbing and heati...

Send a text Unlock the secrets of forensic archaeology and fire investigation as we sit down with Dr. Mary Jane Harding. MJ’s journey from an anthropology lecture that fired up her passion to becoming an authority in human remains recovery from fire sites is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of precise excavation and evidence recovery. You're in for a fascinating and enlightening discussion on how the Harris Matrix revolutionizes our understanding o...

Send a text When the peace of an ordinary Sunday in Leicester was shattered by the deafening sound of an explosion, seasoned fire investigator Andy Quine was catapulted into a case that would test every fiber of his professional acumen. In a candid conversation, Andy walks the listener through the devastating Hinckley Road incident and the meticulous process of unraveling the truth. Switching from a public servant's uniform to the suit of a private sector expert can be as comple...

Send a text Discover the world of fire safety with NFPA's Ken Burson, a man whose career has blazed a trail through emergency operations and international fire prevention standards. This episode is a deep dive into the evolution of fire codes, born from the embers of tragedy, and the stringent measures now in place to prevent disasters in public venues like nightclubs. Ken's transformation from volunteer firefighter to a seasoned NFPA authority brings a unique perspective on how fire p...

Send a text This week we chat to Richard Dunbar, a veteran in fire investigation with an exceptionally diverse background, who is one of the worlds leading Electrical Vehicle Fire Investigators. (My words not his!) We delve into the specific skillset, knowledge and training required for effective investigations of both ICE and Electric vehicle fires, and how the ever-advancing lithium battery technology impacts the safety protocols that Richard and his colleagues tirelessly advo...

Send a text Sit in with us with one of Denver's very own fire investigator, Hayden Fetter. In a captivating exchange, Hayden reveals the intricate path from mechanical engineering to the exhilarating field of fire investigation. With a number of credentials under his belt, including the esteemed Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) and working towards being a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, our guest showcases the importance of continuous learning and hands-on experience...

Send a text Have you ever stood on the ashes of a scene, the air tinged with the scent of smoke, and wondered about the story the char can tell you ? That curiosity is at the heart of our latest guest, Lucy Pinkard , whose own tale winds through forensic science classrooms, the gritty reality of crime scene investigation, and into the world of the private sector fire investigator. She's here to fan the flames of intrigue and share how her career has evolved from public to private ...

Send a text Prepare to fan the flames of your curiosity and watch your knowledge of fire investigation ignite! This isn't just a podcast; it's a journey into the heart of fire's most puzzling mysteries, guided by the voices and stories of those who know it best. From the complexities of battery fires to the enigma of electrical blazes, our conversations with guests like Mary Jane Harding—who will share her expertise on the chilling subject of bodies in fires—promise to be as enlightening as t...

Send a text "CSI on Fire" is a podcast created by fire investigators and forensic experts, with the aim of educating, collaborating, and fostering a sense of community among professionals in the field. The podcast provides a platform for fire investigators to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise in an informal and accessible environment. Through engaging discussions and interviews, "CSI on Fire" seeks to enhance the understanding and practices of fire investigation, while promoting co...