Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

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This episode of INFOCUS Podcast features hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens recording live in front of Scott's Investigation 1B class on their lunch break. The hosts dive into a range of topics starting with a discussion on recent cases and common misunderstandings in the field, such as the confusion between negative corpus and the process of elimination in report writing.

The episode takes an interactive turn as the hosts field questions from the students, covering topics like evidence collection, report writing, and the challenges faced by new investigators. Scott and Chasity share valuable insights on articulating findings, using AI for transcription, and the importance of mentorship in the field. They also debate the concept of "imposter syndrome" and how it affects investigators at various stages of their careers.

The conversation takes an interesting detour into the differences between public and private sector investigations, with Scott sharing his experience transitioning from public to private work. The hosts also discuss onboarding procedures for new investigators and the importance of preventative care in the profession.

As always, the episode concludes with their signature segment "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" featuring the word "stoichiometric" and teasing a new term, "concoidal." The hosts wrap up with a playful ad for Fire Department Coffee. This episode offers a unique blend of professional insights, student interaction, and the hosts' trademark humor, making it an engaging listen for both seasoned investigators and newcomers to the field.

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In this engaging episode of "INFOCUS Podcast," hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into a wide range of topics relevant to fire investigators. They start by discussing recent teaching experiences and the evolving landscape of fire investigation education. The conversation then shifts to the challenges of maintaining focus and efficiency in their work, touching on the unique perspective their ADHD brings to the field.

The hosts address listener feedback and questions, particularly focusing on the use of AI in fire investigation. They share insights on new technologies, including the Clean Space respiratory protection system, emphasizing the importance of personal protective equipment on fire scenes. Scott and Chasity also discuss the increasing prevalence of lithium-ion battery fires and the safety concerns they present.

Mental health in the fire service is addressed, with the hosts acknowledging the challenges of burnout and the importance of having support systems. They announce upcoming training opportunities, including the California Conference of Arson Investigators' 70th anniversary event. The episode concludes with a discussion on exigent circumstances in fire investigation and introduces "stoichiometric" as the word to research for the next episode. Throughout, Scott and Chasitdy maintain their signature blend of professional insight and casual conversation, making complex topics accessible and engaging for their listeners.

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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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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens discuss the complexities and nuances of fire investigations alongside special guest, Police Officer Russell. Officer Russell shares his extensive background in law enforcement, including his unique journey to becoming an arson detective. The episode covers a range of topics from the importance of interagency communication between fire investigators and law enforcement (the awkward first date) to insightful advice on managing fire scenes. They also recount a fascinating experience training fire/ police in Cambodia, highlighting cultural differences and the universal importance of effective fire investigation training.

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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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In this episode  hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens delve into the frequently asked question: 'How do you become a fire investigator?' Joined by special guests Inspectigator Kate Rocha and Investigator Steve Hess, the discussion explores the various paths to entering the field of fire investigation, from traditional firefighting to unique alternative routes. Tune in for inspiring personal stories, insightful tips, and real-world experiences from both public and private sector fire investigators.

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In Episode 6 they welcome Fire Marshal Pesqueira, also known as 'The Inspectigator.' They discuss various aspects of the fire service industry, focusing on both fire prevention and investigation. Pesqueira shares her journey and the dual role she plays as a Fire Marshal and an adjunct instructor at Santa Ana College. The episode covers topics including the importance of fire alarm systems, the distinctions between smoke alarms and detectors, and the challenges faced by fire inspectors. She also talks about mentoring the next generation and the complexities of fire safety codes. The hosts and guest engage in a lively conversation filled with personal anecdotes and professional advice, making it an insightful and enjoyable episode for anyone interested in fire investigation and prevention.

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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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In this episode, Chasity and Scott have the author of Kirk's Fire Investigation as our guest. They discuss Dave Icove's background, including his early interest in fire investigation sparked by getting a fire prevention merit badge as a Boy Scout. Dave shares his experience working for the FBI in the 1980s doing arson profiling and analysis using an early AI system called VAX that could process news reports and other data. He talks about interviewing incarcerated serial arsonists and the Kirk's Fire Investigation book he co-authors.

Dave provides insights into modern AI capabilities like language models and using them ethically for research and analysis in fire investigation. The hosts discuss the need to teach younger generations about leveraging AI tools. They get Dave's perspective on the upcoming 9th edition of Kirk's Fire Investigation potentially including an AI chapter.

The show covers training events, listener feedback, fire investigation terminology like "statute of repose" and "truncated cone pattern", and the value of local fire investigation chapters and presenting at conferences to break into the training profession. Throughout, Dave shares his decades of experience in fire investigation.

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The guest on episode 4 was Investigator McCulloch, a fire captain and fire investigator, who shared his experience preparing for a jury trial involving a fire started by a transient person and causing fire damage to a concrete sidewalk. He detailed the challenges he faced, including the defense citing and questioning specifics from Kirk's Fire Investigation, like concrete discoloration caused by the fire, biases, and more. Ryan explained how he utilized AI to prepare for questioning on certain sections of NFPA 921 and emphasized the importance of paying attention to objections during his testimony. The hosts also covered Ryan's transition from working in fire suppression to becoming an investigator.  The word of the day, "saponification," was defined and used in a sentence related to commercial kitchen fires, and a new "phrase" of the episode was given. The episode teased an interview with an author of Kirk's Fire Investigation for the next episode.

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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In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens changed their format to answer listener questions and clarify the fundamentals of fire investigation for their growing audience spanning 21 countries. Chasity shared a personal story about fracturing her toe while trying to help a cat. The hosts go into explaining the systematic approach related to fire investigation, which involves following the scientific method to examine fire scenes in a consistent manner that can withstand legal challenges. They discussed the importance of properly conducting "dig outs" and "delayering" to remove debris and document evidence. They bring AI in to discuss if delayering is even a word and discover that the wide known term is actually "layer by layer". Report writing was highlighted as crucial for thoroughly documenting investigations. The hosts explained the roles of industry associations IAAI, the state chapters, and NAFI and the certifications they offer. Chasity shared an interesting case where she found a "million-dollar" piece. A new segment was introduced to explain unusual fire investigation terminology, tune in to find out the word for this week. Thank you all for listening! Keep the questions coming. Don't forget to Subscribe, Follow, Like, and Share! Those are all free ways to help us reach a broader audience and support the podcast. 

Support INFOCUS podcast by purchasing Fire Dept Coffee using the hyperlink below!:
alnk.to/4fQ8u8E and use code INFOCUS for 10% off. 

Upcoming training and resources: 
In-depth analysis of NFPA 921 2024 edition webinar
https://www.llrmi.com/webinar-detail/?eventid=29715

New York Annual Spring Seminar
https://nyfireinvestigators.org/2024-spring-training/

Michigan Arson School
https://www.michiganiaai.org/upcoming-events

Nebraska IAAI 54th Annual Fire and Arson Conference
https://www.nebraskaiaai.org/training/

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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Scott and Chasity discuss positive feedback from their first episode and meeting listeners at the IAAI-ITC conference in Las Vegas. Highlights from IAAI-ITC include record attendance, engaging training classes, and favorite events like The Sphere and Penn & Teller show.

The INFOCUS podcast has a new affiliate relationship with Fire Dept Coffee, use this link to support our podcast, https://alnk.to/4fQ8u8E with discount code ‘INFOCUS’ for 10% off.

Key training takeaways emphasize the importance of systematic investigation, recognizing fire damage may be worse away from an elevated origin, and how Chasity applied her training while unexpectedly teaching alongside expert Steve Carman.

Chasity shares a case study where her Molotov cocktail training allowed her to discover critical evidence initially missed in a church fire, underlining the value of continuing education. The hosts mention upcoming training opportunities such as conferences in Arkansas and Montana, free National Fire Academy courses, California's Fire Investigation Academy, and online resources like CFItrainer.net & DCARI.

In conclusion, Scott and Chasity stress the importance of having knowledgeable colleagues to consult on investigations. They give a shout-out to the CSI On Fire Podcast, tease an upcoming appearance on The Fire Break Podcast, and provide a link to referenced fire pattern studies below. 

Instagram- @infocus_podcast

LinkedIn- INFOCUS Podcast

Fire Dept Coffee Link: https://alnk.to/4fQ8u8E and use code ‘INFOCUS’ for 10% off

Steve Carman Z-Factor Case Study- https://carmanfireinvestigations.com/publications/

Drop Box Link to Fire Pattern Case Studies- https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hi81lzzp8gfzs6o/AADklhX64TMRN2wCc4HQgTpHa?dl=0

National Fire Academy- https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/

Free online training:

IAAI CFI Trainer- cfitrainer.net 

DCARI Dane County Arson Response Initiative- dcariwi.org

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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In this inaugural episode of the "Fire Investigation INFOCUS" podcast, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds in fire investigation.

Introductions:

- Chasity Owens is 29 years old with a B.S. in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation. She has nearly 6 years of experience on the private side and holds several certifications (IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, CVFI). She is also the newly elected Secretary of the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI).

- Scott Kuhlman is a professional firefighter in Orange County, California with 30 years of experience. He has been in fire investigation for 25 years, working in both public and private sectors. He is the current President of CCAI.

Purpose of the podcast: 

- To discuss fire investigation, provide education, and ignite curiosity about the field.

- To feature conversations with experts and individuals that offer insights to areas that affect the field of fire investigation.

Backgrounds and meeting:

- Chasity chose the private sector route to dive directly into investigations rather than spending years in firefighting first. Scott had a traditional public sector career.

- They met when Chasity was hired as a fire evidence technician at a private company where Scott worked part-time. They clicked professionally and Scott mentored Chasity.

Industry insights: 

- Private sector investigations often go more in-depth on accidental fires than public sector ones, which typically stop if a fire is determined to be non-criminal to preserve the scene.

- Maintaining objectivity and focusing on facts is crucial, rather than succumbing to pressure to reach certain conclusions or speculation.

Training opportunities:

- The California Conference of Arson Investigators is holding its 70th Anniversary Seminar in San Luis Obispo from October 21-24, 2024.

- The Fresno City College Fire Investigator Academy offers a comprehensive 4-week program covering NFPA 1033 requirements from May 20 to June 14, 2024.

You can register now for both the above mentioned trainings at CCAI's website. (arson.org)

The hosts also discuss the growing role of AI in fire investigations and touch on their shared experiences with ADHD. Throughout the episode, their passion for the field and their collaborative relationship shine through.

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
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TikTok: @infocus_podcast