Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

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Live from IAAI ITC 2026 in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Dr. Greg Gorbett to talk fire investigation, research-based tools, and the future of the profession. The conversation covers the U.S. NRC Fire Dynamics Tools spreadsheets, heat release rate calculations, flashover correlations, and how investigators can use empirical data in defensible origin and cause work. Greg also discusses his recent election to the IAAI Board of Directors, the need for advanced training, competency testing, proficiency exams, NFPA 1321, and the growing importance of standardized processes in fire investigation. The episode also explores digital image analysis, line of demarcation interpretation, uncertainty in conclusions, courtroom confidence, and why “forensic honesty” matters when presenting fire investigation findings.
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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens break down real-world court cases where fire investigators were challenged, excluded, or dismantled under legal scrutiny. From Daubert challenges and summary judgment to spoliation of evidence and product liability battles involving companies like Amazon, this episode dives deep into what can make—or break—an expert witness in court. Learn how improper methodology, lack of qualifications, confirmation bias, and failure to follow NFPA 921 can cost a case, and how to protect yourself by conducting every scene as if you’re headed straight to trial. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or just entering the field, this episode delivers critical insights to strengthen your reports, testimony, and credibility in the courtroom.
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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
Thank you for listening! 

If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. 

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Instagram: @infocusfire_podcast
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