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In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off an exciting new series diving deep into NFPA 921—starting with one of the most critical chapters in the entire guide: Chapter 4, Basic Methodology. This episode blends expert-level fire investigation insight with the podcast’s signature humor, storytelling, and real-world case experience. Scott and Chasity introduce their brand-new segment, “Investigation Interrogation,” where they challenge each other—and the audience—with key questions every fire investigator should know before stepping into a courtroom or writing a report.

Listeners will learn how NFPA 921 now officially classifies fire investigation as a forensic science discipline, why Chapter 4 underpins everything from origin determination to negative corpus debates, and how the scientific method, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, bias reduction, and certainty levels shape reliable fire investigation results. They also unpack the three NFPA-recognized types of report reviews—administrative, technical, and peer review—and explain why a proper technical review is one of the strongest safeguards against confirmation bias and courtroom challenges.

The hosts share listener fan-mail wins, discuss real-world examples involving candles, combustibles, appliances, and the limits of testing hypotheses, and even touch on holiday fire safety—from Christmas trees to oven light bulbs. As always, the episode is packed with practical, courtroom-ready insights, investigator mindset training, and memorable teaching moments… all wrapped in humor, banter, and a blues-style “Water Your Tree” holiday PSA.

Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a trainee, or someone preparing for expert testimony, this episode delivers serious value and relatable, real-world fire investigation education—NFPA 921 made understandable, memorable, and actually fun.

🔥 Upcoming Training Opportunities Mentioned in This Episode

📅 December 15, 2025 – LLRMI Webinar
Title: Conducting Comprehensive Fire Investigations While Implementing NFPA 1321
Instructor: Steve Riggs
Cost: $150 (entire department can attend)

📅 December 16, 2025 – Cozen O’Connor Webinar
Title: AI and Insurance Law: Legal Challenges, Compliance, and Industry Transformation
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
Cost: FREE

📅 January 20–23, 2026 – Oregon IAAI 40th Annual Career Development School
Location: Rogue Valley, Oregon
Topics Include:

• Advanced Fire & Arson Investigation
• Wildland Fire Investigation Overview
• Science Advisory Workgroup (SAW Group) workshop
• Crime lab & evidence collection
• Resiliency Training

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