Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, recorded live at the IAAI International Training Conference in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Brazilian fire-safety professionals Colonel Paiva and Rogerio Lin to discuss the transformation of fire investigation in Brazil. Paiva shares how international training, IAAI certifications, NFPA guidance, and his commitment to accurate and thorough investigations helped expand formal fire investigation programs from only a few of Brazil’s 27 state fire departments to approximately 16. The conversation explores the differences between the Brazilian and United States fire-service and legal systems, the challenges of applying international certifications across different governmental structures, and the work underway to create Brazilian fire-investigation standards that reflect the country’s construction practices, language, culture, and regulatory system. Roger explains how passive fire protection, compartmentation, fire-resistant construction, material performance, and fire investigation work together to identify failures and improve future building safety. The guests also discuss emerging risks involving electric vehicles and thermal runaway, the need for standardized national fire data, cooperation between fire departments and law enforcement, and the role passion and persistence play in creating lasting change within the profession. The episode also includes updates from ITL Solutions and CleanSpace Respirators, information about the IAAI Evidence Collection Technician practical examination at the CCAI Conference, upcoming California Fire Investigator 1A, 1B, and 1C courses, and additional fire-investigation training opportunities across the country.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

What can burned human remains reveal about a fatal fire—and what evidence may be permanently lost when a body is moved too soon?

Recorded live at the IAAI International Training Conference in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with forensic anthropologist Dr. Elaine Pope to discuss the investigation and recovery of human remains from fatal fire scenes. Dr. Pope explains how forensic anthropology, fire investigation, law enforcement, and medicolegal death investigation must work together to accurately interpret the scene, identify victims, preserve evidence, and provide answers to families.

The conversation explores how the human body burns in vehicle fires, structure fires, outdoor fires, and intentionally set fires; how burned bones can resemble drywall and other fire debris; and how fire patterns on the body may help investigators understand fire exposure and movement. Dr. Pope also explains why investigators should treat the body as evidence, leave it in place until it can be properly documented, and avoid assuming a fire death is accidental before the autopsy and complete investigation are finished.

The episode also recaps the Central California Forensic Fatal Fire Death Investigation Academy, addresses the long-standing myth that the human skull explodes during a fire, and provides practical guidance for investigators approaching their first fatal fire scene.

We Train Frequently: 

Georgia IAAI Conference — Savannah, Georgia: July 27–30, 2026

Tennessee IAAI Conference: August 17–20, 2026 

•  Includes AI for Fire Investigators

Hawaii IAAI Conference: August 26–28, 2026 

Nebraska Chapter Annual Fire Conference: September 15–17, 2026 

IAAI Evidence Collection Technician Practical — CCAI Conference: October 8, 2026 

Fire Investigator 1A — Hayward, California: September 14–18, 2026 

Fire Investigator 1B — Hayward, California: October 26–30, 2026 

Fire Investigator 1C — Hayward, California: November 16–20, 2026

Link to the Hayward training: 

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/fire-investigation-courses-60744/items

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Founder Jesse Sprague, Director of Research & Intelligence Phinehas Lampman, and  Software Developer and Data Scientist Kathleen Matos from Axon Intelligence to talk about the future of wildland fire investigation, origin and cause documentation, data science, remote sensing, AI, drone imagery, and fire investigation technology. The conversation explores how the new app EchoSpectra is helping investigators organize field data, document wildland fire indicators, track GOA/SOA development, export maps and photo logs, and strengthen the scientific method through better case organization. The group also discusses how computer vision, mapping, drone-based imagery, and pattern recognition may shape the future of both wildland and structure fire investigations, while also touching on firefighter health, smoke exposure, Valley Fever, and the need for better respiratory protection in the field.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Scott and Chasity catch up on fan mail, training opportunities, report writing, and the importance of verifying information in the age of AI before turning the mic over to their conversation with Fire Investigator and Student Committee Chair Sawyer Garriques at the 2026 IAAI ITC.

Sawyer shares how the IAAI Student Committee is helping bridge the gap between students and the fire investigation profession through mentorship, networking, research opportunities, student memberships, and the newly developed student sponsorship program. The conversation highlights why students should get involved early, how attending the ITC can open career doors, and why the industry has a responsibility to support the next generation of investigators.

The episode also covers the value of student research projects, poster presentations, strong networking skills, and the role chapters, businesses, and individual members can play in supporting students through scholarships, internships, training opportunities, and donations.

Students interested in fire investigation are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and take advantage of the resources available through the IAAI Student Committee.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Chasity Owens and Scott Kuhlman are LIVE again at IAAI International Training Conference with a live conversation featuring Fire Investigator and IAAI's 2026 Investigator of the Year Adam Holloway of Genesis Forensics and Fire Investigator John Hill of National Fire Experts. Both Adam and John are Eastern Kentucky University graduates who entered the fire investigation industry from the private sector and now help develop the next generation of investigators through internships, mentorship, and entry-level training programs. The conversation explores the challenges students face when trying to break into fire investigation, what employers should consider when building internship programs, and why real-world field exposure, strong methodology, communication skills, and persistence matter. They also discuss the importance of networking through local IAAI chapters, mentorship from experienced investigators, and how students can stand out in interviews by understanding fire dynamics, the scientific method, and the definition of fire. The episode also highlights upcoming fire investigation training opportunities, the “Can You Use It in a Sentence?” segment on thermoplastics, and Adam’s work with the IAAI Marine Fire Investigation Endorsement Program, including how the hands-on course uses real burned vessels, interviews, case studies, and origin-and-cause presentations to prepare investigators for marine fire scenes.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

LIVE from the IAAI ITC in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with IAAI Immediate Past President David Bridges and IAAI Current President Devin Palmer for a powerful conversation about leadership, training, mentorship, and the future of the fire investigation profession. David shares how his career evolved from law enforcement and accelerant detection canine work into becoming a technically trained attorney focused on civil fire and explosion litigation. Devin walks listeners through his path from forensic science student to ATF Certified Fire Investigator, National Response Team supervisor, and now IAAI President. Together, they discuss the importance of community, professional development, chapter support, student engagement, international outreach, and expanding fire investigation training for public sector, private sector, insurance, legal, and forensic professionals. The episode also highlights new IAAI initiatives, member benefits, regional training opportunities, insurance-focused education, and the value of bringing the next generation into fire investigation through hands-on learning and mentorship.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

LIVE at the International Association of Arson Investigators ITC 2026, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with fire investigator Nicole Brewer for one of the podcast’s most insightful conversations yet. Nicole shares her journey from firefighter to fire investigator, her transition from public to private sector investigations, and how advanced education through Eastern Kentucky University and Oklahoma State University shaped her approach to forensic fire analysis. The discussion dives deep into scientific methodology, courtroom testimony, cognitive bias in fire investigations, and practical strategies investigators can use to strengthen their origin and cause determinations.

The episode also explores the growing role of cognitive bias awareness in forensic science and how fire investigators can minimize unconscious influence during investigations. Nicole introduces her “Bias Minimization Worksheet” and explains how techniques like linear sequential unmasking and structured hypothesis testing can improve investigative reliability, courtroom confidence, and case defensibility. From real trial experiences and grand jury testimony to SAW (Scientific Advisory Workgroup) case reviews, this episode delivers valuable insight for both new and seasoned investigators looking to sharpen their methodology and elevate their professionalism in the field.

Bias Minimization Worksheet link: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/mobile/folders/1e9rUVqyJK9a8HzFj-8w6b-WgyQ9Jt5rB?usp=sharing

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

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.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

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.

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us Fan Mail

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)

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast