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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens continue their deep dive into NFPA 921 Chapter 6 with Part 2: Fire Patterns.

The episode blends real-world case studies with foundational fire science, reinforcing how fire investigators interpret patterns, validate origin hypotheses, and apply the scientific method in the field.

Listeners are first brought into two compelling case studies: a hybrid vehicle fire with origin traced to the rear hatchback area despite severe damage, and a commercial fire involving a lithium-ion battery-powered blower where pattern interpretation was later confirmed through video evidence. These examples highlight the importance of pattern recognition, corroboration, and resisting premature conclusions.

The discussion then transitions into core concepts from NFPA 921 Chapter 6, including fire effects, fire pattern generation, and pattern geometry. The hosts emphasize that fire patterns are not standalone proof of origin but must be analyzed alongside fire dynamics, heat release rate, ventilation, and witness statements.

Key learning points include:

• Fire patterns reveal movement and intensity, not cause by themselves
• Misinterpretation risks (e.g., “pour patterns”) and the importance of avoiding bias
• The role of heat release rate and ventilation as primary drivers of pattern development
• Practical application of the scientific method for origin determination

The episode also explores legal-style questioning, helping investigators strengthen courtroom articulation and defend their methodology under scrutiny.

To wrap up, the hosts introduce upcoming training opportunities and reinforce the importance of continued education, collaboration, and critical thinking in the evolving field of fire investigation.

Alabama Chapter IAAI – 2026 Free Spring Training (April 7, 2026 – Decatur, AL)

International Association of Arson Investigators ITC Conference (April 26–30, 2026 – St. Louis, MO)

Montana IAAI Annual Training Conference (May 12–14, 2026 – Billings, MT)

Wyoming IAAI Annual Conference (June 10–12, 2026 – Laramie, WY)

Georgia IAAI Annual Training Conference (July 27–30, 2026 – Savannah, GA)

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In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their discussion of NFPA 921 Chapter 6 by breaking down one of the most important foundations in fire investigation: fire effects, and then fire pattens next episode. Using real-world deposition questions and courtroom-style challenges, they show why investigators must be able to clearly explain concepts like fire plume development, truncated cone patterns, U patterns, clean burn, oxidation, calcination, spalling, and more. The episode blends technical training with practical field insight, including stories from recent burn cell exercises, lessons from student investigations, and a blunt reminder that experience alone does not replace a solid grasp of the science. Scott and Chasity walk through key fire effects identified in NFPA 921, explain why these concepts matter in scene analysis and legal testimony, and highlight how misunderstanding or overstating pattern interpretation can seriously damage an investigator’s credibility. They also touch on upcoming training opportunities, fire death investigation work, industry events, hot surface ignition versus autoignition temperature, and the importance of continual study in a field where the basics can make or break a case.

Training:

Alabama Chapter 2026 Free Spring Training — April 7, 2026 | Decatur, Alabama

Montana IAAI 2026 Annual Training Conference — May 12–14, 2026 | Billings, Montana

Advanced Fire Dynamics at Eastern Kentucky University — May 19–20, 2026 | Richmond, Kentucky

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Recorded live at the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI), this episode features Fire Investigator and researcher Keith Parker for a wide-ranging (and very real) conversation about what it looks like to apply the scientific method in fire investigation—especially when the ignition source is gone and the pressure to “have an answer” is high. We dig into affirmative evidence vs. negative corpus, why timelines can be some of the strongest support for (or against) a hypothesis, and the danger zone of assumptions sneaking into your data when you’re convinced you already know what happened. Keith shares how his wildland experience evolved from frustration with wiped-out origins to building better training and getting involved in peer-reviewed wildland fire pattern research, including collaboration and mentorship from Dr. Vito Babrauskas. If you’ve ever wondered how confident we can be in wildland indicators under extreme conditions (wind, dry fuels, high intensity), or how wildland O&C is still maturing the way structure investigation did pre-NFPA 921, this one’s for you. Plus: conference updates, what we’re teaching next, how to get involved with IAAI as a student, and the return of “Can you use it in a sentence?” with a practical definition challenge to sharpen your investigator brain.

• National Wildland Fire Conference — April 24–26, 2026 — Oceanside (North County San Diego), California
• IAAI ITC (International Training Conference) — April 27–May 1, 2026
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 — Marietta (Cobb), Georgia
• Alabama Chapter FREE Spring Training — April 7, 2026 — Decatur, Alabama
• Montana IAAI Annual Training Conference — May 12–14, 2026 — Billings, Montana

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In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens are joined by Fire Investigators Bill Strohm and Oliver Gillespie to explain how their fire investigation unit operates and why their structure leads to strong case outcomes. They break down the roles of shift investigators, who handle origin and cause, evidence collection, and witness interviews at active scenes, and day-shift investigators, who manage follow-ups, warrants, law enforcement coordination, and case preparation for prosecution. The team discusses how having two investigators on scene helps reduce bias and strengthen findings, the importance of building relationships with partner agencies, and how persistence and collaboration support long-term arson investigations. The episode closes with practical advice for solo investigators on capturing perishable information, staying disciplined with the scientific method, and communicating technical concepts clearly in court.

Upcoming Trainings & Dates:

• New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, NM)
• California Conference of Arson Investigators Training Seminar — February 23–26, 2026 (CA)
• Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College) — March 9–13, 2026 (San Diego, CA)
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Marietta, GA)
• Alabama Spring Training (Free) — April 7, 2026 (Decatur, AL)
• IAAI International Training Conference (ITC) — April 26–30, 2026 (St. Louis, MO)

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In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with returning guest Attorney Lauren Guber for a real-world conversation on how fire investigations hold up when the stakes are high—especially in court. The episode kicks off with a sharp comparison between the U.S. approach to fire investigation standards and the UK’s “Code of Practice” concept, which reads more like “you shall” than “you should.” From there, Lauren breaks down what attorneys actually lean on when challenging an expert: your credentials, your investigation, and what you didn’t do—and why being “qualified” under NFPA 1033 isn’t the same thing as being “certified,” even though juries may treat it that way. The crew also digs into why continuing education matters (even more than years on the job), how peer review can sharpen investigators fast, and why programs like the Science Advisory Workgroup (“SAW group”) are a game-changer for improving report quality and courtroom readiness.

You’ll also hear highlights from a SAW group showcase in Oregon—where investigators presented cases, the audience got reports via QR code to follow along, and the panel asked the kind of questions that feel a lot like trial pressure (but with a learning-first vibe). The conversation closes with Lauren’s practical courtroom advice: don’t downplay your experience, tell your story clearly (especially for juries), and for the love of the transcript—slow down so the court reporter can keep up. Plus, the episode drops quick industry updates (“WTF We Train Frequently”), sponsor chatter, and ends on a nerdy teaser: what’s the difference between a chromatograph and a chromatogram—and why fire investigators should actually know.

• Kansas Annual Conference (WTF We Train Frequently) — February 3–5, 2026 (Wichita, Kansas)
• IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) — Local/Orange County — February 20, 2026 (Irvine, California; Orange County Fire Authority HQ)
• California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Annual Training — February 23–26, 2026 (California)
• New Mexico Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Cobb, Georgia)

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In this milestone 50th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into Chapter 5: Basic Fire Science from the 2024 edition of NFPA 921. This episode breaks down foundational fire science concepts that investigators are frequently challenged on in court—covering the definition of fire, energy vs. power, heat flux, modes of heat transfer, minimum ignition energy (MIE), flammable limits, and suppression effects.

Scott and Chasity explain how misunderstandings of fire dynamics, radiant heat, convection, and material properties can lead to incorrect origin-and-cause conclusions—and how defense attorneys exploit these gaps. Using real-world examples, courtroom-style questions, and investigator-friendly analogies, they emphasize treating fire as a process, not just a pattern.

The episode also celebrates 50 episodes, discusses advanced education at Eastern Kentucky University and Oklahoma State University, and answers listener questions on cigarette ignition research. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator, student, or expert witness, this episode reinforces why mastering basic fire science is essential for credible, defensible investigations.

IAAI Annual Conference (Wichita, Kansas) — February 3–5

New Mexico Annual Training Conference — February 23–27

IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) Class / Practicum (hosted at Orange County Fire Authority – Orange County, CA) — Dates not stated in the episode

CCAI (California Conference of Arson Investigators) — February 23–26

Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College – San Diego, CA) — March 9–13

Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference (Cobb / Marietta, Georgia) — March 16–19

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Season 3 kicks off with a timely and critical conversation on site safety assessments and why they are more than just a procedural checkbox—they’re a fundamental part of the fire investigation process. Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens open the new year by reflecting on recent cases, near-misses, and real-world examples that highlight how quickly an investigation can become dangerous when scene hazards aren’t properly assessed, mitigated, and documented. From energized electrical systems in fire-damaged structures to compromised floors, structural instability, soot exposure, and unauthorized occupants, this episode underscores that investigators must actively verify scene safety rather than rely on assumptions or third-party assurances.

The discussion dives into what governing documents actually require, breaking down how NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, and NFPA 1321 address site safety assessments and why the word “shall” matters—especially in court. Scott and Chasity explain how failing to document a safety assessment in your report becomes low-hanging fruit for attorneys, even when the assessment was performed. They also explore the differences between public and private scene control, how safety officers and incident command influence access, and why investigators must continually reassess hazards as conditions change. The episode closes with training opportunities related to investigator safety, a practical explanation of what a white paper is (and how it differs from a technical report), and a challenge for listeners to define SOPs—and distinguish them from SOGs—before the next episode.

Trainings & Conferences Mentioned

Fire Investigation Safety Officer Training

• Mesa, Arizona — February 9–10, 2026
• New Hampton, New York — February 11–12, 2026
• (Future offerings also mentioned in Illinois, April–May 2026; exact dates TBD)

Kansas IAAI Annual Conference

• Wichita — February 3–5, 2026

New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference

• Albuquerque — February 23–27, 2026

California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Training

• California — February 23–26, 2026
  • Scott and Chasity will be teaching at this conference

Georgia Fire Investigators Association – Spring Conference

• Marietta — March 16–19, 2026
  • (Held at Cobb County location)

Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW Group) – Mock Report Challenge

• Oregon — January 2026
  • Exact dates not specified during the episode

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In this Christmas Eve Embercast, Chasity and Scott slow things down with a short, informal episode focused on listener feedback, community connection, and the continued growth of the fire investigation profession. Rather than a full-length case discussion, this Ember-style episode highlights messages from investigators around the world—including Australia—and explores meaningful conversations sparked by listener questions, critiques, and ideas. Topics include a listener-requested concept for a wildfire investigation roundtable series, advice for investigators preparing for the IAAI CFI certification exam, and a discussion on the difference between studying for a test and conducting real-world research. The episode also addresses a technical terminology correction—“arc” versus “arc site”—and why precision in language matters in both investigations and the courtroom. Chasity and Scott reflect on the importance of collaboration between public and private fire investigators, introduce a new 2025 segment titled “Here’s the Scenario—Figure It Out,” and discuss why NFPA 921 should be viewed as a framework rather than a standalone research document. The Embercast closes with shoutouts to fellow fire investigation podcasts helping move the industry forward and a holiday message to listeners. Full episodes return January 7. 🎄🔥

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