Large loss fires present a unique set of circumstances.

All interested parties must be notified prior to removal of debris and protocols must be in place.

A systematic approach to evidence collection, documentation, and packaging is crucial.

Recognition of potential fire causes comes with experience. These two pictures are of two separate fire loss’s that have similar characteristics. Both fires were caused by spontaneous heating.

The origin and cause of a total burn out is the hardest to determine.

Interviews are a key element to solving this puzzle.

Early photographs are a plus when determining the fire's movement and intensity patterns.

Training fires can give insight to the behavior of fires and help estimate time lines.

Heavy fire damage can limit access to portions of a structure and can create unsafe conditions.

Total burn out vehicle fires are an especially difficult puzzle to solve. It will take everything an investigator has experienced and learned to be successful. Specialists will most likely come into play.

Identification of items in a home after the fire is beneficial to determining the potential fire causes. Can you name this piece of art?