In-House Laboratory
Fire investigation cases demand precise analysis and rapid results to support insurance claims and legal proceedings. When crucial evidence requires immediate testing and examination, delays in processing can compromise case outcomes and leave critical questions unanswered, potentially affecting settlement negotiations and court testimony. Traditional fire investigations often face significant bottlenecks when evidence must be sent to external laboratories, resulting in weeks of uncertainty while insurance adjusters and legal teams await the results.
Advanced Digital Imaging and Non-Destructive Analysis
Modern fire investigation requires sophisticated imaging technology that can reveal evidence invisible to conventional examination methods.
Keyence VHX Microscope
Our laboratory features the Keyence VHX Microscope, providing ultra-high-resolution digital imaging capabilities that allow our investigators to document and analyze minute details of fire-damaged components and materials. This advanced microscopy system enables us to identify failure patterns, manufacturing defects, and ignition sources that might otherwise go undetected during standard visual examinations.
The microscopic analysis capabilities prove particularly valuable when examining electrical components, small appliances, and material samples, where the origin point may be microscopic in nature. We can identify arcing patterns in electrical wiring, heat damage gradients in plastic components, and metallurgical changes in metal objects that occurred during the fire event. This level of detail often provides the definitive evidence needed to establish causation in complex fire investigations.
Digital X-Ray Imaging Systems
Our digital X-ray imaging systems offer comprehensive non-destructive examination capabilities essential for investigating electrical components, appliances, and structural elements without compromising evidence integrity. The Orthoscan Mini DI C-Arm system provides real-time imaging for immediate analysis, while our portable X-ray system allows us to examine evidence both in our facility and at fire scenes without delay. The wireless digital radiography system delivers immediate results, eliminating the waiting periods typically associated with film processing and external laboratory services.
These X-ray capabilities prove invaluable when examining sealed electrical components, investigating internal appliance mechanisms, and analyzing patterns of structural damage. We can identify internal component failures, foreign objects, and manufacturing defects that would be impossible to detect without destructive disassembly, preserving evidence integrity while obtaining crucial information for case resolution.
Critical Equipment Analysis Capabilities
The importance of thorough equipment analysis cannot be overstated in fire investigation. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical equipment failures account for approximately 13% of all residential fires, making proper analysis of electrical components and appliances a crucial element in determining the cause and origin of fires. Our laboratory’s advanced imaging and testing capabilities provide the detailed analysis necessary to identify these equipment failures and establish liability in complex fire cases.
Our specialized equipment allows us to examine internal component damage, identify manufacturing defects, and determine whether equipment failures occurred before, during, or after the fire event. This distinction proves critical in establishing causation and supporting insurance claim decisions or legal proceedings.
Comprehensive Documentation and Scene Reconstruction
Professional documentation forms the foundation of every successful fire investigation, and our laboratory maintains the highest standards for evidence photography and scene reconstruction.
Nikon DSLR Cameras
We employ professional Nikon DSLR cameras with specialized lenses designed for forensic photography, ensuring that every image meets legal admissibility standards while clearly illustrating key evidence points for insurance adjusters and jury presentations.
Matterport 3D Imaging
Our Matterport 3D imaging and property scanning technology creates detailed virtual reconstructions of fire scenes, allowing stakeholders to virtually walk through damaged properties and understand the progression of fire damage. This technology proves particularly valuable for complex commercial fires or cases where the original structure has been demolished before all parties could examine the scene.
FLIR Thermal Cameras
FLIR thermal cameras provide additional documentation capabilities, revealing heat patterns and temperature variations that may indicate ignition sources or fire travel patterns. This thermal imaging technology can detect residual heat signatures and identify areas of particular interest for focused investigation, improving the efficiency and accuracy of our analysis.
Specialized Vehicle Investigation Facilities
Vehicle fire investigations present unique challenges that require specialized equipment and facilities to properly examine automotive systems and components. Our laboratory features a professional-grade vehicle inspection bay with a car lift capable of accommodating vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds, providing investigators with safe and comprehensive access to vehicle mechanics and undercarriage components, where many vehicle fires originate.
This specialized facility allows us to conduct thorough examinations of electrical systems, fuel delivery components, exhaust systems, and battery installations in a controlled environment with proper lighting and safety equipment. The ability to elevate vehicles provides unparalleled access for photographing, measuring, and sampling critical evidence areas that would be difficult or impossible to examine properly at ground level.
Vehicle investigations often require extended examination periods, and our facility provides the secure, weather-protected environment necessary for methodical analysis. We can safely remove and examine individual components, test electrical systems, and document failure patterns without the time constraints and environmental challenges associated with outdoor examination sites.
Evidence Processing and Chain-of-Custody Management
Our laboratory maintains extensive evidence recovery and storage capabilities designed to accommodate the full range of materials encountered in fire investigations. From large appliances and vehicle components to small electronic devices and material samples, we provide secure storage areas with proper environmental controls and comprehensive chain-of-custody documentation through our PMI tracking system.
The facility handles complex evidence scenarios involving batteries, motors, fans, heating and cooling equipment, as well as other mechanical and electrical devices commonly encountered in fire investigations. Our evidence processing capabilities ensure that every item receives appropriate handling, documentation, and storage throughout the investigation process.
We maintain controlled environment storage to prevent contamination and preserve evidence integrity, professional photography stations for detailed documentation, and specialized work areas for component disassembly and examination. When chemical analysis becomes necessary, we coordinate with certified external laboratories while maintaining complete chain-of-custody documentation throughout the process.
Third-Party Laboratory Access Services
In addition to serving our own investigation cases, our laboratory facilities are available to other fire investigators and legal professionals who require access to specialized equipment and controlled testing environments. We offer competitive daily rates for laboratory access, allowing other professionals to benefit from our advanced imaging systems, vehicle lift capabilities, and secure evidence storage facilities.
This service addresses a significant gap in the fire investigation industry, where many qualified investigators lack access to the sophisticated equipment necessary for complex cases. By making our facilities available to the broader professional community, we help ensure that all investigations benefit from the highest standards of scientific analysis, regardless of the investigating firm’s internal capabilities.
Contact Reliant Investigations for Advanced Laboratory Services
Our in-house laboratory is a significant competitive advantage in fire investigation, providing rapid turnaround times and reliable results when your case demands immediate answers. The combination of advanced technology, experienced personnel, and flexible service options makes our facility a valuable resource for insurance companies, legal professionals, and investigative firms throughout California and Arizona.
Whether you need comprehensive analysis for a complex commercial fire, specialized vehicle examination capabilities, or access to advanced imaging technology for microscopic evidence analysis, our laboratory delivers the scientific support required for successful case resolution. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of evidence handling and documentation ensures that your investigation meets all legal and insurance industry requirements. To discuss your laboratory service needs or schedule an evidence examination, contact us at 909-944-3095 or submit your case details through our secure contact form.