Investigation Types

Residential

Residential Fire Investigation

Residential fires are among the most common and deeply personal fire losses we investigate. Whether it's a single-family home, a condominium, or a large apartment complex, our investigators bring the same level of precision and thoroughness to every scene.

Homes present unique investigative challenges — from complex electrical systems and gas lines to the wide variety of furnishings and building materials that can influence fire behavior. Our team documents burn patterns, examines appliances and electrical panels, and works to determine exactly where and how the fire originated, all while following NFPA 921 guidelines.

We serve insurance companies, homeowners, and attorneys, providing objective findings whether the cause is accidental, negligent, or suspected arson.

Single-family homes
Condominiums & townhomes
Apartments & multi-unit
Electrical system analysis
Appliance examination
Gas line & HVAC review

Commercial

Commercial Fire Investigation

Commercial properties — from retail storefronts and restaurants to office buildings and warehouses — often involve significant asset losses and complex liability questions. Our investigators are experienced in navigating these high-stakes environments.

Commercial structures typically feature more extensive electrical infrastructure, sprinkler systems, and fire suppression equipment. These systems can both influence fire behavior and provide critical evidence about how a fire developed. We examine all of these factors as part of our comprehensive origin and cause determination.

For business owners and insurers, a thorough investigation is essential for claim resolution, subrogation recovery, and liability protection.

Retail & restaurant properties
Office buildings
Warehouses & storage
Sprinkler & suppression systems
Business interruption analysis
Liability & subrogation support

Industrial

Industrial Fire Investigation

Industrial fires often involve heavy machinery, manufacturing processes, and materials that create unique and dangerous fire conditions. These investigations demand specialized knowledge and careful coordination with safety officials.

Our investigators examine process equipment, electrical systems, dust and chemical accumulations, and ventilation systems — all potential contributors to industrial fire events. We work within the guidelines set by OSHA and other regulatory bodies to ensure our findings hold up to rigorous scrutiny.

Industrial fire investigations frequently support product liability claims, workers' compensation cases, and regulatory compliance reviews.

Manufacturing facilities
Process equipment failure
Dust & chemical ignition
Electrical system analysis
OSHA compliance review
Product liability support

Automotive

Automotive Fire Investigation

Vehicle fires present a distinct set of investigative challenges. From passenger cars and pickup trucks to commercial fleets and heavy equipment, determining fire origin in a vehicle requires in-depth knowledge of automotive systems and fire science.

We examine fuel systems, electrical wiring, batteries, catalytic converters, and engine components to identify the ignition source. Our investigators are trained to distinguish between mechanical failure, electrical faults, and intentionally set fires — critical for insurance claims, fraud detection, and litigation.

With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, we stay current on the unique fire risks and investigation methods these vehicles require.

Cars, trucks & SUVs
Commercial fleet vehicles
Heavy & specialty equipment
Fuel & electrical systems
EV & hybrid vehicles
Fraud detection support

Marine

Marine Vessel Fire Investigation

Fire aboard a marine vessel is a serious and complex event. The confined spaces, fuel storage systems, and marine-grade electrical systems found on boats and ships create a uniquely challenging investigative environment.

Our investigators are experienced in examining pleasure craft, commercial fishing vessels, yachts, and larger ships. We assess fuel systems, bilge areas, electrical panels, and engine compartments to trace the fire's origin. Marine investigations often involve coordination with the Coast Guard and local fire marshals.

We are affiliated with the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) and follow industry-specific protocols for marine loss investigation and documentation.

Pleasure boats & yachts
Commercial fishing vessels
Larger commercial ships
Marine electrical systems
Fuel & bilge systems
Coast Guard coordination

Wildland

Wildland Fire Investigation

Wildland fires can burn thousands of acres, destroy homes, and threaten communities. Determining the origin and cause of these fires is critical for liability, insurance, and preventing future losses — and it requires fast, precise action before wind and weather erase the evidence.

Our investigators use aerial drone photography, ground-level scene documentation, and fire behavior analysis to trace wildland fires back to their ignition point. We examine power lines, roadways, campgrounds, equipment, and other potential ignition sources in the surrounding area.

Rick Grunbaum has direct experience investigating major California wildland fires and has been featured in news coverage for this specialized work.

Forest & brush fires
Wildland-urban interface
Aerial drone documentation
Power line & utility analysis
Fire behavior modeling
Multi-agency coordination

Hazmat

Hazardous Materials Fire Investigation

Fires involving hazardous materials demand a higher level of caution, specialized training, and a deep understanding of chemical properties and reactions. Our lead investigator holds a Certified Hazardous Materials Technician credential, allowing us to safely access and investigate these scenes.

We investigate fires and explosions involving chemical storage, manufacturing processes, laboratories, and transportation incidents. Understanding how specific chemicals contribute to ignition, fire spread, and toxic byproducts is essential for accurate origin and cause determination.

Hazmat investigations often involve coordination with the EPA, Cal OES, and other regulatory agencies and require strict documentation protocols.

Chemical storage facilities
Laboratory fires
Manufacturing & processing
Transportation incidents
EPA & regulatory coordination
Chemical reaction analysis

Arson

Arson Investigation

Suspected arson investigations require the highest level of methodological precision. Our findings may ultimately be used in criminal prosecutions or civil litigation, making accuracy and proper documentation absolutely critical at every stage.

We follow the scientific method outlined in NFPA 921, collecting and analyzing physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting scene conditions to determine whether a fire was intentionally set — and if so, how. We look for accelerant residues, unusual burn patterns, and signs of forced entry or fire-setting devices.

Our investigators work closely with law enforcement, fire marshals, and attorneys to support both criminal and civil cases involving suspected arson.

Accelerant detection & testing
Burn pattern analysis
Evidence preservation
Witness interviews
Law enforcement coordination
Expert courtroom testimony

Explosions

Explosion Investigation

Explosions produce devastating damage and scatter evidence across wide areas, making the investigation both urgent and technically demanding. Identifying whether an explosion was caused by a gas leak, chemical reaction, pressure vessel failure, or an explosive device requires specialized expertise.

Our investigators analyze blast patterns, examine gas and fuel systems, and work with forensic engineers and lab specialists when needed. We reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the explosion to identify the root cause and responsible parties.

Explosion investigations frequently support insurance claims, product liability suits, and criminal investigations, and our reports are written to meet the evidentiary standards required in both settings.

Gas leak & ignition analysis
Pressure vessel failures
Chemical reaction events
Blast pattern documentation
Forensic lab coordination
Product liability support