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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into several hot topics in fire investigation. They begin with a lighthearted generational gap test comparing lyrics to "Blame It On..." across different age groups, before transitioning to important professional content. The hosts discuss upcoming classes at the International Training Conference (ITC) in New Jersey, highlighting courses on AI in fire investigations, lithium-ion batteries, and forensic evidence processing.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they discuss safety protocols for investigators exposed to lithium-ion battery fires, revealing a new departmental procedure for blood testing after exposure to these hazardous materials. They share valuable insights on evidence collection, including a practical tip about an IAAI Evidence Collection Guide app that investigators can download to their phones for quick reference in the field. The episode wraps up with their "Unbiased Opinion" segment analyzing liability in a case involving a wall heater fire and teases their next topic on laminar versus diffusion flames. They also celebrate reaching 100 five-star reviews on Apple Podcasts ahead of schedule.

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In this milestone 25th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their celebration with special AI celebrity "appearances" from Donald Trump, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kim Kardashian, and Joe Rogan to commemorate reaching this landmark. The podcast has surged in popularity, amassing over 13,000 downloads—a remarkable 30% increase in just 45 days—and approaching 100 five-star ratings on Apple Podcasts.

Scott recaps highlights from the CCAI conference, highlighting Keith Parker's innovative wildland fire demonstration that challenged investigators to determine fire origin points in a controlled environment. Chasity shares her excitement about her upcoming first deposition scheduled for July, while Scott anticipates the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW) meeting in Michigan, where investigators present cases for peer review and critical analysis.

The hosts introduce a compelling new segment called "Unbiased Opinion," where they present fire investigation cases without revealing which side they represented. In the inaugural segment, Chasity details a residential fire where the bathroom was determined to be the room of origin, with an improperly labeled wall heater switch accidentally activated by a child who mistook it for a light switch. Listeners are invited to weigh in on where liability should fall—with the homeowner who made the modifications, the contractor who installed them, or the tenant.

Scott shares essential vehicle fire investigation knowledge directly from NFPA 921, including the critical fact that exhaust manifolds can remain hot enough to ignite materials for 30 minutes after a vehicle is turned off, while catalytic converters can stay dangerously hot for up to 90 minutes. He stresses the importance of checking vehicle recalls during investigations, warning that failing to do so could undermine an investigator's credibility.

The episode wraps up with their "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment, defining "heuristic" as a problem-solving shortcut, and "We Train Frequently" (WTF) highlighting upcoming fire investigation training opportunities across the country. The hosts look forward to meeting listeners at their booth during the IAAI conference in New Jersey this April.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring on a special guest - Dr. Gregory Gorbett, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS, CFII, CVFI, Senior Fire Analyst/Co-Owner of Fire Dynamics Analysis, and one of Chasity's former professors from Eastern Kentucky University's renowned fire program. Recording from the California Conference of Arson Investigators February Seminar, the trio dives deep into the world of fire investigation with plenty of expert insights and good-natured banter.

Dr. Gorbett shares his fascinating journey into fire investigation, starting with his family's firefighting background and how a gutsy decision to volunteer for a 45-million-dollar loss investigation in Dallas led him to connections with industry legends like Pat Kennedy. The conversation explores the evolution of fire investigation education, with Dr. Gorbett explaining how EKU's program has grown since the 1970s to become one of the nation's premier fire investigation educational institutions.

The episode tackles several cutting-edge topics in fire investigation, including the challenges of standardizing damage assessment. Dr. Gorbett discusses his research on using numerical scales to describe fire damage consistently, which was published in the Journal of Forensic Science. The hosts also explore how ventilation affects fire patterns, with Scott suggesting the need for simple acronyms to help new investigators remember critical assessment steps at scenes.

One particularly engaging segment covers the importance of proper terminology in fire investigation reports, with Dr. Gorbett explaining why he discourages terms like "heavy fire damage" and use of personal pronouns in technical writing. The group shares how these teaching moments have stuck with them throughout their careers, often hearing Dr. Gorbett's voice in their heads when writing reports.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the balance between education and experience, with Dr. Gorbett emphasizing that while formal education provides a foundation, on-the-job training and good mentorship remain crucial for developing skilled investigators. The hosts introduce their recurring segment "Can You Use It In A Sentence," challenging listeners to learn the definition of "heuristic" for the next episode.

Packed with professional insights, personal anecdotes, and plenty of fire investigation nerding-out, this episode offers valuable knowledge for both seasoned investigators and those new to the field.

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In this lively episode of the podcast, Scott and Chasity kick things off by showing their new merch from American Fire Brigade, known for their popular fire service merchandise and memorable memes that helped firefighters cope during COVID-19. (@americanfirebrigade). The duo shares personal stories about fire service culture, including a fascinating discussion about "coffee table culture" - the unique morning ritual where firefighters gather to exchange information and engage in witty banter.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they discuss recent cases, including Scott's first trial in 26 years of investigations and a challenging fatality fire they both worked on. They explore the complex dynamics of public and private fire investigators working together, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional relationships and preserving scene integrity. A particularly poignant discussion emerges about how people react differently in emergency situations, illustrated by stories of a resident who ran upstairs instead of outside during a fire, and a veteran medic who panicked when his own son had a seizure.

The episode wraps up with an extensive "We Train Frequently" segment, highlighting numerous upcoming training opportunities across the country. Most notably, they announce their exciting plans to conduct live podcast recordings at the upcoming IAAI ITC conference in Atlantic City, where they hope to interview international investigators, students, instructors, and capture the presidential transition. They also share some heartwarming feedback from listeners, including a special shoutout from a fan in Norway, and remind listeners to help them reach their goal of 100 Apple Podcast ratings before June.

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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into a fascinating mix of technical insights and emerging trends in fire investigation. The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion about the importance of asking the right questions during investigations, as Chasity shares a recent case involving a concealed space fire where strategic questioning revealed crucial information about recent plumbing work. The hosts also explore the often misunderstood relationship between fire investigators and public adjusters, offering valuable perspectives on professional collaboration in the field.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Scott shares a piece of fire service history, recounting the story behind the iconic Mickey Mouse and firefighter image created during the 1993 Malibu fires. This rare Disney artwork, featuring Anaheim firefighter Dave Baker, holds special significance as one of the few instances where Mickey Mouse is depicted looking up at and touching another character.

In their new segment "Indistinct Chatter," Scott and Chasity introduce their AI guest, Dr. Torch, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and fire investigation. The hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion about AI's capabilities and limitations in understanding fire dynamics and pattern analysis, highlighting the importance of human expertise in the field.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive roundup of upcoming fire investigation training opportunities across the United States, including events in Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Illinois. Special mention is made of international training developments, including exciting progress from their colleague at the Cranfield Forensic Institute in the UK. The hosts also preview the upcoming CCAI training event featuring live burns and wildland fire demonstrations.

From technical discussions about fire patterns and evidence marking to engaging experiments with telepathy, this episode showcases the hosts' ability to blend educational content with entertaining dialogue, making complex fire investigation concepts accessible to all listeners.

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INFOCUS Podcast kicks off Season 2 with an explosive episode covering the devastating Santa Ana wind-driven fires affecting Southern California. Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the current situation, with Scott sharing his recent appearance on NPR discussing the fires, while Chasity's TikTok video addressing fire speculation goes viral with over 170,000 views. The episode provides fascinating insights into wildland fire behavior, addressing common misconceptions about fire patterns and debunking conspiracy theories about mysterious "government lasers."

The hosts tackle complex fire investigation topics, explaining how wind patterns and building materials affect fire spread, particularly focusing on why some houses burn while others remain untouched during wildland fires. They share compelling examples from recent cases, including how aluminum components in modern vehicles melt at specific temperatures, helping investigators understand fire patterns. The episode also features a delightful international twist as they sample British snacks brought by a visiting fire investigator from England, adding a light-hearted moment to balance the serious discussion.

Looking ahead, the hosts announce exciting updates about upcoming conferences, including a special appearance by Dr. Greg Gorbett teaching fire dynamics at the California Conference of Arson Investigators in February. They also preview an intriguing presentation on BHO (Butane Honey Oil) labs by Lauren Gruber and Elizabeth Buck, addressing the evolving challenges investigators face with these facilities. The episode wraps up with a celebration of their growing international audience and reaching 70 five-star Apple Podcast reviews. As a testament to their commitment to education, the hosts encourage listeners to continue reaching out with questions, whether they're newcomers to the field or experienced investigators seeking guidance.

PAPRS unit information : Tim Costa- [email protected]
Donate to LAFD: supportlafd.org

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🎄 Fire Investigation INFOCUS Podcast - Episode 20: Christmas Special 🎄

- A festive episode released on Christmas Day, featuring hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens
- Special celebration of reaching top 25% of all Buzzsprout podcasts and hitting 63 Apple Podcast reviews. Goal is 100 reviews before June!
- Discussion of recent fire investigation cases, including Scott's experience with 8 fires in 36 hours

**Technical Deep Dive:**
  - Detailed analysis of Christmas tree fire hazards
  - Dry trees can reach 3,000-5,000 kilowatts peak heat release rate
  - Water-maintained trees only reach ~6.7 kilowatts
  - Scientific breakdown using NIST fire calorimetry database
  
**Key Updates:**
- Scott's department moving forward with CleanSpace respiratory protection equipment
- Discussion of technical spelling variations in NFPA 921 ("ignitable" vs. "ignitible")
- Introduction of Season 2 starting January 15th, 2024

**Fan Mail Corner:**
- Questions answered about gas detection equipment for new investigators
- Feedback from listeners in Ottawa, Canada and Tacoma, Washington
- Discussion of mentorship in the field

**Safety Message:**
- Special holiday PSA about Christmas tree fire safety
- Emphasis on proper tree maintenance and watering

**Word of the Episode:**
- "Inductive Reasoning" - Analysis of its role in the scientific method for fire investigation

Next Episode: Season 2, Episode 1 releasing January 15th, 2024! And a fun tune to close it out. Water your tree! 🎄

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In Episode 19 hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens welcome special guest Investigator Tom Beers, a firefighter and fire investigator with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and board member for the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. The episode kicks off with a delightfully entertaining discussion about regional accents and dialect differences, from the peculiarities of Midwestern pronunciations to the great "pop vs. soda" debate!

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Tom shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to firefighter, sparked by a chance encounter during a college EMS ride-along. He describes his fascinating path through military service, the Dayton Fire Academy, and eventually to Cleveland Heights, where he's served for over 20 years. Tom then dives into his groundbreaking work drafting new Ohio legislation for fire investigators' firearms qualifications, updating laws that hadn't been touched since 1953!

The hosts and Tom share their experience at the Ohio conference, where Scott and Chasity taught a packed session on AI applications in fire investigation. They also geek out over cutting-edge forensic technology, including an impressive demonstration of a new UV flashlight for detecting ignitable liquids. A highlight of their Ohio visit was an impromptu two-hour tour of the state's forensic lab, which left them thoroughly impressed with the facility's 7-10 day turnaround times and sophisticated capabilities.

The episode wraps up with heartwarming stories of podcast fans they met at the conference, a review of the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) certification process, and their signature segment "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" where Tom challenges listeners with the term "inductive reasoning." From accents to arson investigation, this episode perfectly blends education, entertainment, and the passion these investigators bring to their field.

Be sure to catch the next episode in two weeks, where they'll unpack the meaning of "inductive reasoning" and continue bringing you the latest insights into fire investigation!

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In this episode of In Focus Fire, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens welcome Deputy Attorney General Lauren Guber for the debut of their new recurring segment "From the Legal Desk." Fresh from teaching a courtroom testimony class, Lauren shares invaluable insights from her unique perspective as a prosecutor, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of fire investigation and legal proceedings.

The conversation delves deep into crucial topics like confirmation bias in fire investigations, the importance of proper documentation, and the delicate balance investigators must maintain when testifying in court. Lauren, drawing from her extensive experience as both a Los Angeles County District Attorney and now Deputy Attorney General, provides enlightening examples of courtroom scenarios and expert witness testimonies, including a compelling story about an expert witness who cited "the internet" as their research source.

The episode takes an interesting turn as Lauren discusses her journey from aspiring medical student to a prosecutor, revealing how a chance encounter with fire investigation cases involving drug labs led to her current expertise in arson prosecution. The hosts also announce Lauren's upcoming presentation at the California Conference of Arson Investigators in February 2025, where she'll be discussing the evolution of butane honey oil labs from residential settings to large-scale warehouse operations.

The discussion concludes with a valuable segment on the proper use of AI in report writing, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical guidance for investigators. The hosts introduce their traditional word segment, with Lauren offering "indicia" as a term that bridges the gap between law enforcement and fire investigation vocabularies. This episode serves as an essential resource for fire investigators, offering unique insights into the legal aspects of their profession while maintaining an engaging and educational tone throughout.

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Part two of our riveting conversation with Investigator Buckingham delivers the long-awaited conclusion to our courtroom cliffhanger. After a deadlocked jury and a surprising nine-to-three split for acquittal on the aggravated arson charge, the prosecution regroups with amended charges. Buckingham walks us through the intense second trial, complete with expert witness drama, mental health defense tactics, and an unexpected courtroom revelation that nearly derailed the entire case. Through persistence and masterful testimony techniques, justice is finally secured for the community affected by this devastating fire.

The episode takes an authentic turn as our hosts dive into a candid discussion about ADHD, anxiety, and panic attacks in the fire investigation field. Scott and Chasity share personal insights about managing these challenges while maintaining professional excellence, offering a rare glimpse into the human side of fire investigation.

In our WTF (We Train Frequently) segment, we highlight an incredible opportunity for fire investigators: free training at the National Fire Academy. Mark your calendars for the application period opening March 15th through April 15th, 2025, for the highly sought-after Fire Investigation Essentials course (R07).

The episode wraps up with our popular "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment, featuring the word "deflagration" and teasing a new mystery abbreviation (ILR) for next time. Whether you're a seasoned investigator or new to the field, this episode offers the perfect blend of technical knowledge, real-world experience, and professional growth insights.

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