Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

• S2 Ep15- The Body Tells a Story w/ Fire Fatality Expert Elayne Pope- Fire Fatality Investigation Tips and Research

  Send us a textWelcome to another exciting live episode from the IAAI-ITC 2025 conference in Atlantic City! Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring you their final live recording from the conference, featuring an incredible interview with renowned fire fatality expert Elayne Pope. If you've ever wondered what happens to the human body during a fire, this episode is essential listening. Elayne Pope, one of the foremost experts in fire fatalities, shares her fascinating journey from art major to forensic anthropologist specializing in fire death investigation. Her groundbreaking research has debunked long-standing myths in the fire investigation community, including misconceptions about exploding skulls and spontaneous human combustion.Key highlights from the interview:How Elayne transitioned from studying art to becoming a pioneer in fire fatality researchThe shocking truth behind fire investigation myths that were taught industry-wide for decadesWhy pig testing doesn't accurately replicate human fire fatalitiesThe critical importance of proper scene preservation and body handlingHow bodies actually move and change position during fires - something most investigators don't realizeEssential do's and don'ts when working fire fatality scenesPersonal Updates & Big NewsChasity shares exciting news about becoming a co-owner of her own fire investigation company, marking a major career milestone at just 30 years old. Meanwhile, Scott discusses their agency's successful FI-210 wildland fire investigation class, which included an impressive 26 live wildland burns with support from IAAI's Rick Jones.Training Opportunities & Upcoming EventsThe hosts provide a comprehensive roundup of upcoming training opportunities, including:Hawaii's annual fire investigation training (August 5-8)Indiana Fire Investigation Conference (August 10-13)Tennessee Chapter ATC (August 18-22)Special webinar on Wildland Fire Investigation (August 7th) featuring Scott and Shaun MillerNebraska, North Dakota, and California conferences throughout September and OctoberTechnical Discussion: Fire Patterns & TerminologyThe episode continues their educational series on fire patterns with a deep dive into "full room involvement generated patterns." Scott and Chasity explain why they prefer using "full room involvement" over "flashover" in their reports, sharing insights on how terminology choices can protect investigators during legal proceedings.Sponsor SpotlightClean Space Technology's Tim Costa joins the show to discuss respiratory protection innovations specifically designed for fire investigators, addressing the common complaint that traditional respirators "suck" and how their technology makes protection more comfortable and effective.This episode perfectly balances technical education with real-world practical advice, making it valuable for both new and experienced fire investigators. Whether you're interested in the science behind fire fatalities or looking to improve your investigation techniques, this conversation with Elayne Pope offers insights you won't find anywhere else.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. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocus_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

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• S2 Ep14- Depth of Calcination & Tomorrow's Fire Experts: EKU Student Research Spotlight with Molly Morrow & Maggie Fluharty (live from IAAI-ITC)

  Send us a textLive from IAAI-ITC with Fire Investigation Students Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty. Scott and Chasity return to in-person recording after their busy 4th of July weekend, diving into an engaging conversation about AI-generated images and Scott's impressive new wildland fire investigation app. The hosts share their experiences identifying fake AI content and discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in media. Scott reveals his exciting project - a custom app designed for his FI 210 wildland fire investigation class that helps students identify 11 key indicators in the field, complete with photos and confidence levels for advancing, lateral, and backing fire spreads.The main feature presents Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty, two passionate students from Eastern Kentucky University who are making waves in fire investigation research. Molly, a senior fire investigation major whose firefighter father influenced her career path, and Maggie, a forensic science major with a biology concentration, share their fascinating work on depth of calcination studies. Their research examines how different types of gypsum board (lightweight Type C, moisture resistant, soundproof, and Glass Rock) respond to various heat fluxes using digital depth probes for consistent measurements. The students explain how their color-coded graphs and precise data collection could revolutionize how investigators interpret fire damage patterns in the field.The episode also features valuable resources for aspiring investigators, including recommendations for Fire Investigation magazine, John Lentini's newsletter archives, and networking opportunities through the IAAI student program. With upcoming training opportunities in Arizona, Georgia, California, Hawaii, Indiana, and Tennessee, plus a special virtual wildland investigation seminar, this episode perfectly captures the collaborative spirit and cutting-edge research driving the fire investigation community forward.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. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocus_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

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• S.2 Ep.13- Spontaneous Combustion ft. Dr. Doug Byron (live from IAAI-ITC)

  Send us a textGet ready for a mind-blowing deep dive into the science of spontaneous combustion! Scott and Chastity catch up on their busy schedules, with Scott fresh from teaching at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno where students bond over four intensive weeks of training. The hosts discuss recent marine fire investigation training and upcoming wildland classes before diving into the main event.The Doug Byron Interview: Spontaneous Combustion MasterclassThe real star of this episode is Dr. Doug Byron from Fast Labs, a renowned expert in spontaneous combustion who's been practicing forensic scientific testing for 30 years. His journey into fire forensics began unexpectedly after a car accident derailed his military aviation plans, leading him to answer phones at his father's ATF laboratory - and the rest is history.Doug definitively settles the mulch pile debate that plagues investigators: small playground mulch piles CANNOT spontaneously combust. The mass simply isn't there for heat retention. But here's the kicker - castor oil in hair products can absolutely cause spontaneous ignition in laundry baskets, something most investigators have never encountered.The episode reveals why Friday and Saturday night commercial fires often involve spontaneous combustion - workers rushing to leave for the weekend skip proper rag disposal protocols. Doug explains the fascinating science behind cooking oil fires in restaurants, particularly Mediterranean and Mexican establishments where heavy oils create perfect storm conditions.Pro Tips That Will Blow Your Mind:Your HVAC filter can be tested for byproducts of spontaneous combustion reactions - a forensic goldmine most investigators never considerDryer cool-down cycles exist for a reason - removing clothes early creates dangerous conditionsCotton rags can retain oils through multiple wash cycles, remaining reactive for weeksMicrofiber rags actually prevent spontaneous combustion because they melt before reaching critical temperaturesThe Flowchart RevolutionPerhaps the most exciting development discussed is the creation of a spontaneous combustion investigation flowchart, inspired by student Sawyer's brilliant suggestion. This practical tool will help investigators systematically evaluate scenes and communicate effectively with laboratories.Doug shares incredible case studies including hay bales (biological degradation), recycling super bags, and even latex gloves in warehouses. The science behind "clinkers" - those concrete-like masses found in burned materials - gets thoroughly explained, debunking old myths about their diagnostic value.The conversation explores the differences between chemical reactions (cooking oils, wood stains) and biological processes (hay, organic materials). Doug explains why spray paints can self-heat but rarely ignite, and shares a jaw-dropping case involving aluminum signs with linseed oil ink that reached over 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit before open flame.The episode concludes with information about upcoming training opportunities, including marine fire investigation in Boise and the Illinois Chapter seminar where Scott and Chastity will teach AI applications and defensive report writing strategies.This episode is essential listening for any fire investigator serious about understanding spontaneous combustion. Doug Byron's expertise, combined with practical case studies and actiThank 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. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocus_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

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• S.2 Ep.12- Live from IAAI-ITC: Guatemala's Only Fire Investigator, and Two Guest Listeners

  Send us a textIn this compelling episode, host Chasity Owens delivers a solo intro while Scott Kuhlman attends Marine Fire Investigation training through IAAI. This special episode features inspiring stories from Guatemala and engaging conversations with dedicated podcast listeners, showcasing the global reach and impact of fire investigation.Key HighlightsBreaking Ground in Guatemala: Gretel's remarkable story of becoming Guatemala's first and only certified fire investigator after starting as a technology coach for struggling firefighters in 2014. Despite having no prior fire investigation knowledge, her engineering background and passion for learning led her to pursue training across multiple countries, paying out of pocket to build the expertise her country desperately needed.Building a Fire Investigation Program: Learn how Gretel established her own fire investigation company, handling approximately 100 cases annually across Guatemala and Central America while training new investigators and maintaining her volunteer firefighter duties. Her work fills a critical gap where no public fire investigation services existed.The Construction Connection: Both Braden and Dale emphasize the crucial importance of understanding building construction in fire investigation. Their backgrounds in code enforcement and construction provide invaluable insights into how buildings are designed, and built, and how fire travels through different structural systems.International Training Efforts: The episode explores ongoing efforts to bring fire investigation training to underserved regions, including recent IAAI fundamentals training in Guatemala and upcoming programs in Colombia, Paraguay, and Chile.Training AnnouncementsArizona Annual Training Conference: July 23-25 in Prescott, ArizonaGeorgia ATC: July 28-31 in Savannah, Georgia (featuring EV fires, solar panel investigations, and serial arsonist profiling)California Conference of Arson Investigators: October 6-9 (includes live burn day)Sponsor SpotlightThe episode features Clean Space respiratory protection systems, highlighting improved visibility, comfort, and safety for fire scene investigations. Contact Tim Costa at 401-573-5341 or [email protected] for more information.Episode TakeawaysThis episode powerfully demonstrates the universal need for fire investigation expertise and the dedication required to build these capabilities from scratch. Gretel's story serves as an inspiration for investigators worldwide, while the listener segment reinforces the importance of networking and continuous learning within the fire investigation community. The diverse backgrounds of all guests underscore how different professional experiences enhance fire investigation capabilities.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent official positions of affiliated organizations.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. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocus_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

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• S.2 Ep.11- IAAI Certification Importance and Updates with Rick & Cassie Jones; ECT, CFI, & more.

  Send us a textIn this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens deliver another compelling installment from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training conference. Recording remotely while Scott teaches at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno, the duo presents an illuminating conversation with Rick and Cassandra Jones, two passionate advocates for fire investigation certification and training excellence.Rick Jones shares his journey from law enforcement canine handler to IAAI board member and eventual president during the challenging COVID-19 period, where he helped pivot the organization to remote training delivery. His wife Cassandra, with her educational background in English, brings her expertise in report writing and program development to their shared mission of elevating industry standards. Together, they've built a successful fire investigation company while dedicating countless volunteer hours to improving certification programs and training quality across the field.The conversation centers on the critical importance of obtaining professional certifications, particularly the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) program. The Joneses announce significant updates to certification requirements, including the elimination of mandatory evidence collection numbers in favor of training-based qualifications and the addition of five new evidence categories specifically designed for private-side investigators. These changes address long-standing concerns from investigators who participate in evidence collection but may not physically handle items themselves, making certifications more accessible while maintaining rigorous standards.Rick and Cassandra emphasize that certifications serve as third-party validation of an investigator's competency, going beyond the minimum requirements of NFPA 1033 to include practical demonstrations and courtroom testimony experience. They detail the upcoming alignment of all IAAI certifications to five-year renewal cycles, streamlining the process for investigators while ensuring continued professional development. The couple's commitment extends to personally answering questions from members, with Rick providing his direct phone number and encouraging investigators at all levels to reach out for guidance.The episode also highlights the Joneses' innovative internship program, where university students pursuing fire investigation degrees spend 5-7 weeks living and working with their company, gaining invaluable real-world experience. These stories, including humorous accounts of interns learning the realities of hands-and-knees scene processing, demonstrate their dedication to nurturing the next generation of fire investigators.Scott and Chasity wrap up with their popular segments, including "We Train Frequently" spotlighting upcoming conferences in Arizona and Georgia, and "Can You Use It In A Sentence" continuing their educational series on fire investigation terminology. The hosts also address listener questions about accessing Science Advisory Work Group meetings, explaining the confidential nature of these peer review sessions while encouraging participation in local chapters.This episode reinforces the podcast's mission of connecting the fire investigation community through shared knowledge and professional development opportunities, showcasing how industry leaders like Rick and Cassandra Jones are working tirelessly to advance the field through improved training and certificaThank 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. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocus_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

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