Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens

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 hit the follow button and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from.

Follow us on social!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast

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

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 hit the follow button and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from.

Follow us on social!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast

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

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 hit the follow button and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from.

Follow us on social!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast

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