CSI on Fire

Send a text A fire inside a fire station. A scene at minus 31°C. A fire inside a fire station. A scene at minus 31°C. And a candid look at how cognitive bias creeps into decisions when your fingers are numb and the clock is ticking. We sat down with Finnish investigator and trainer Tuomas Palvia to unpack how Finland’s tiered investigation system works, why structural fires drive the biggest socie...

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 Asi...

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 wa...

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 stu...

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...

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...

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...

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 b...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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 liqu...

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...

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 ou...

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 rad...

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 opin...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 resilie...

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...

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 Associ...

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...