Fire Spread and Property Damage Cause Analysis

When evaluating a fire scene, many factors must be considered in determining the cause of damage to the property from the incident. Our investigators, consultants and engineers analyze the factors that were responsible for the spread of the fire and for the extent of the loss, including the adequacy of fire protection, the sufficiency of building construction, and the contribution of any products to flame spread and to smoke propagation. The following conditions may be involved and can be analyzed:

• properly constructed partitions including walls,
• floors and roof ceiling assemblies,
• proper fire rated doors and opening protections,
• change of occupancy/ hazard,
• detection and alarm systems,
• human behavior,
• fire suppression,
• fuel loads,
• housekeeping,
• ventilation,
• code violations, and
• structural failure.