Origin & Cause Fire Investigations
House fires create complex claims scenarios that demand thorough investigation to protect your company’s interests and ensure fair claim resolution. Whether you’re dealing with electrical failures, appliance malfunctions, or suspected arson, getting accurate cause determination quickly can mean the difference between confident coverage decisions and costly litigation battles that drain resources and damage relationships with policyholders.
At Reliant Investigations, our origin and cause fire investigation services extend beyond field work to include comprehensive expert witness testimony. Our team provides the technical knowledge and courtroom experience necessary to support your case with confidence and professional authority.
Each investigation begins with a comprehensive scene examination, where our team photographs, measures, and documents all relevant physical evidence before any disturbance occurs. We employ advanced imaging technology, including thermal cameras and high-resolution digital photography, to capture details that might otherwise be overlooked. Our investigators are trained to recognize subtle indicators that reveal the fire’s progression and help identify potential ignition sources.
Rapid Response and Comprehensive Scene Documentation
Insurance carriers benefit from our expedited investigation protocols designed to accelerate claim resolution timelines while preserving critical evidence. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home structure fires resulted in over $11 billion in direct property damage annually, making a comprehensive investigation essential for protecting insurance company interests.
At Reliant Investigations, our team responds within 24 hours to residential fire scenes throughout California and Arizona, ensuring evidence preservation before contamination or weather damage occurs. This immediate response protects your company’s interests while the fire scene remains intact and witness memories are fresh.
Our systematic scene documentation process utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including Matterport 3D scanning systems that create precise digital records of fire scenes. These detailed scans allow claims adjusters and defense counsel to virtually revisit scenes months or years later, providing invaluable support for coverage decisions and litigation defense. FLIR thermal cameras identify hidden heat patterns and electrical anomalies that standard photography cannot detect, ensuring comprehensive evidence collection and analysis.
Each residential investigation includes a methodical examination of:
- Electrical systems
- HVAC equipment
- Appliances
- Potential ignition sources
Our investigators analyze fire patterns, burn damage, and smoke deposition to determine precise origin points and cause classifications that directly support your coverage determinations. Detailed photographic documentation, precise measurements, and comprehensive witness interviews meet the legal standards required for potential litigation defense.
Comprehensive Fire Investigation Capabilities
Our investigators employ a systematic, science-based approach to scene documentation using advanced technology that records fire environments with precision. Matterport 3D scanning creates detailed digital models of the scene, allowing investigators and stakeholders to revisit structural conditions long after debris removal or reconstruction. FLIR thermal imaging identifies concealed heat signatures, electrical faults, and fire pathways that traditional photography cannot reveal, ensuring no critical detail is overlooked.
We provide comprehensive origin-and-cause investigations for:
- Residential structure fires
- Commercial and industrial fires
- Vehicle and heavy-equipment fires
- Marine and vessel-related fires
- Fatality and extreme-circumstance fires
Our team analyzes fire patterns, burn evolution, and smoke movement to accurately determine the area of origin and classify cause. Comprehensive photographic documentation, precise measurements, and structured witness interviews create a complete and defensible investigative record suitable for technical review or potential litigation.
Advanced Laboratory Technology Reduces Investigation Costs
Our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory facility eliminates delays and additional costs associated with third-party evidence processing. While competitors rely on external laboratories that can delay investigations by weeks and add thousands to investigation costs, our facility processes evidence immediately upon collection.
Digital X-ray imaging systems, including our Orthoscan Mini DI C-Arm equipment, conduct non-destructive examinations of electrical components, appliances, and structural materials without compromising the integrity of the evidence. This technology reveals internal damage, foreign objects, and manufacturing defects that could indicate product liability claims worth pursuing through subrogation.
High-resolution microscopic analysis using Keyence VHX systems provides detailed examination of ignition sources, allowing for the precise determination of failure modes and responsible parties.
Chain-of-Custody Protocols
Our laboratory maintains full chain-of-custody protocols and meets legal standards for evidence processing. Results are admissible in court proceedings and have withstood scrutiny during depositions and trials. Laboratory reports clearly document findings, accompanied by supporting photographs and technical analysis, which claims adjusters can easily understand and communicate to policyholders. This reduces claim disputes and improves customer satisfaction scores.
Expert Litigation Support and Defense Capabilities
When residential fire claims proceed to litigation or subrogation actions, our expert witness capabilities provide robust defense support that has consistently protected the interests of insurance companies. Lead investigator Michael Koster brings decades of courtroom experience, with an exceptional track record of successful testimony in residential fire litigation cases. His expert testimony has helped insurance carriers achieve favorable settlements and verdicts in cases involving millions of dollars in exposure.
Consultation Services
Expert witness services extend beyond testimony to include consultation on case strategy, evidence evaluation, and expert discovery coordination. Our team works closely with defense counsel to identify key technical issues, prepare demonstrative exhibits, and coordinate with other expert witnesses. We maintain availability for depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trial testimony, ensuring your company has consistent expert support throughout lengthy litigation processes.
Specialized Ignitable Liquid Detection and Fraud Investigation
Suspected arson cases require immediate specialized attention to protect carriers from fraudulent claims that can result in substantial financial losses.
Ignitable Liquid Detection Canines
Our trained ignitable liquid detection canines provide on-scene accelerant detection capabilities at no additional cost to investigation budgets. These highly trained canines can detect trace amounts of gasoline, kerosene, and other accelerants that might indicate intentional fire setting, providing crucial early evidence for coverage determinations.
In-House Laboratory Analysis
Our laboratory analysis capabilities support accelerant detection with scientific confirmation of canine alerts. Gas chromatography testing identifies specific accelerant types and concentrations, providing definitive evidence for arson determinations. This scientific approach strengthens coverage denials when fraud is suspected and provides a solid foundation for cooperation with law enforcement investigations that may result in criminal prosecutions.
Documentation
Our arson investigation protocols coordinate with fire officials and law enforcement agencies, while protecting the interests of insurance companies. We maintain detailed documentation procedures that support both civil coverage decisions and criminal proceedings when fraud is suspected. This dual-purpose approach ensures proper evidence preservation while advancing your company’s interests in recovering fraudulent payments and deterring future claims fraud.
Partner with Reliant Investigations for Superior Claims Support
Insurance carriers throughout California and Arizona rely on Reliant Investigations for residential fire investigation services that support confident claim decisions while reducing litigation exposure and controlling costs. Our combination of rapid response capabilities, advanced laboratory technology, and proven courtroom success provides comprehensive support for your residential fire claims operations. Michael Koster’s veteran background, 9th Circuit Court recognition, and exceptional litigation track record ensure your company receives investigations that withstand legal scrutiny.