ORIGIN & CAUSE INVESTIGATION
 Following NFPA 921 guidelines, a "full" origin and cause investigation is conducted when necessary to gather enough facts to successfully support an opinion in court as to where a fire originated and what caused a fire to ignite. All investigations are conducted by industry-recognized certified fire and explosion investigators (CFEIs) and certified fire investigators (CFIs), supported by the appropriate professional engineers (PEs), when necessary. ASTM standards for handling evidence are observed, and as dictated by Florida Statute 674, all fire investigators are licensed private investigators (PIs).
The fire scene is diagrammed, documented, and photographed. The neighborhood is canvassed; neighbors and witnesses are interviewed, and if necessary, statements are recorded. Local and state fire reports are secured and scrutinized. The damage is examined and the fire patterns are analyzed through flame vector-analysis. Potential ignition sources are examined, documented, and ruled out accordingly.
Evidence is photographed and documented, and stored in a locked facility. In the event additional inspection of evidence is necessary, and subrogation is imminent, BCI's familiarity with joint inspections will allow for an easy transition from the field to the court-room, as we follow the chain-of-custody guidelines recognized by the court.
A comprehensive investigation might also include accelerant analysis,product failure analysis, product-recall research, and exemplar testing.
A preliminary report is given within 24 hours of the initial investigation with recommendations on evidence handling, securing samples, and subrogation potential. If a joint investigation is likely, BCI is sensitive to the integrity of the fire scene and the evidence, and will advise you and your policy holders of your options.
When securing evidence and avoiding spoliation are critical to the integrity of the investigation, BCI is prepared to respond to a loss site within 24-hours, statewide.
BCI's experience conducting origin and cause investigations includes the investigation of fires related to:
- Single-family homes
- Retail buildings
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Multi-unit apartments
- Multi-level condos
- Passenger vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Recreation vehicles
- Boats and watercraft
- Light and heavy machinery
- Explosions
- Gas stoves and heaters
- Electric heaters
- Household appliances
- Product failures
- Improper installation
- Maintenance issues
ELECTRICAL FIRE INVESTIGATION
 Electrical components are commonly suspected to be the cause of fires. They are easy scapegoats for misled investigators! Pursuing subrogation without an expert opinion can be costly. Verifying an electrical fire requires the interrelated disciplines of fire investigators and electrical engineers. Determining the origin of the fire is the fire investigator's expertise; demonstrating the electrical component to cause the fire is the professional engineer's are of expertise.
Use BCI's forensic team of CFIs and PEs to assist in fires suspected to be caused by:
- Household appliances
- Refrigerators, stoves and microwaves
- Power strips and extension cords
- Electric outlets
- Light machinery and equipment
- Automobile electronics
- Malfunctions and failures
- Fuses, breakers, and electric boxes
FIRE-SCENE EXAMINATION
 The Scene Examination is ideal for apparent accidents and "undetermined" causes that can't be explained at first blush by the public fire investigator or insurance adjuster and you need a second set of eyes to confirm or deny the initial findings.
Oftentimes the fire report states the cause of the fire as "undetermined". A number of these causes, with an experienced CFI examining the loss site, can indeed be explained. Having an expert confirm a fire as “accidental” is sometimes a “necessary evil”, however, our Scene Examinations have proven to be cost-effective and a sensible second opinion.
The fire scene is examined, documented, photographed, and an opinion is given on whether further investigation is necessary. If further investigation is necessary, the investigator will secure authorization, typically from the loss site, before proceeding with the investigation.
Typically, a scene examination is concluded with a ‘short report” that details the findings through photographs and documentation. Should the findings warrant further investigation, an appropriately more comprehensive report will be provided.
The scene examination is an economical and effective approach to investigate fires suspected to be caused by:
- Unattended cooking
- Discarded or unattended smoking-material
- Unattended candles or incense
- Children playing with matches
ARSON INVESTIGATION
 Our investigators are trained to spot an arsonist's handiwork. Most arsonists have a motive that, when recognized, can help lead to the origin and cause of the fire. A fire started out of revenge, jealousy, hate, or because of financial problems, oftentimes leaves behind a set of clues an experienced arson investigator recognizes; clues found at the loss site, while interviewing and canvassing, and through research. Discovered early in the investigation, arson indicators can potentially change the complexion of the investigation.
Our experience working with Special Investigation Units (SIU) has taught us clear, concise, and timely communications are critical components to a successful arson investigation. Should our investigators suspect an arsonist is involved, they will notify you immediately and advise you on the status of the evidence and the loss site. If the loss site and/or evidence need securing, our investigators are prepared to advise you throughout the process.
SUBROGATION ANALYSIS
BCI fire investigators understand, regardless of the nature of the fire, their duty lies in determining who or what was responsible for the fire. Oftentimes the responsible party can be held accountable for the loss through subrogation. Use our experts’ advice when deciding the potential to subrogate a claim. Additional consultation may be necessary and can be conducted at your convenience. Our investigators are also available for peer review of existing investigations by others. Our experts will review the report provided to you, and respond to the information within, through a summary report.
- Product-recall Research
- Product-liability Research
- Exemplar Testing
- File Consultation
- Case Evaluations
- Peer Review
- Litigation Assistance
- Peer Review
TO ASSIGN A CLAIM:
877.550.4224 ext. 272
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A confirmation e-mail and/or phone call will be returned with each assignment.
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