Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens
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Welcome to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of origin and cause investigations. Join hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens, experienced fire investigators, as they discuss all things fire investigation from the latest techniques, case studies, and challenges faced by professionals in this critical field. Through a community effort, this podcast aims to create a platform for investigators to learn from one another and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a first responder, or simply curious about the science behind fire investigations, this bi-weekly podcast will provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your knowledge and skills. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fire investigation and join the conversation.

  1. S.3 Ep.5- Possibility to Probability, Wildland Fire Investigation, & Affirmative Evidence with Fire Investigator Keith Parker

    9H AGO

    S.3 Ep.5- Possibility to Probability, Wildland Fire Investigation, & Affirmative Evidence with Fire Investigator Keith Parker

    Send a text Recorded live at the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI), this episode features Fire Investigator and researcher Keith Parker for a wide-ranging (and very real) conversation about what it looks like to apply the scientific method in fire investigation—especially when the ignition source is gone and the pressure to “have an answer” is high. We dig into affirmative evidence vs. negative corpus, why timelines can be some of the strongest support for (or against) a hypothesis, and the danger zone of assumptions sneaking into your data when you’re convinced you already know what happened. Keith shares how his wildland experience evolved from frustration with wiped-out origins to building better training and getting involved in peer-reviewed wildland fire pattern research, including collaboration and mentorship from Dr. Vito Babrauskas. If you’ve ever wondered how confident we can be in wildland indicators under extreme conditions (wind, dry fuels, high intensity), or how wildland O&C is still maturing the way structure investigation did pre-NFPA 921, this one’s for you. Plus: conference updates, what we’re teaching next, how to get involved with IAAI as a student, and the return of “Can you use it in a sentence?” with a practical definition challenge to sharpen your investigator brain. National Wildland Fire Conference — April 24–26, 2026 — Oceanside (North County San Diego), CaliforniaIAAI ITC (International Training Conference) — April 27–May 1, 2026Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 — Marietta (Cobb), GeorgiaAlabama Chapter FREE Spring Training — April 7, 2026 — Decatur, AlabamaMontana IAAI Annual Training Conference — May 12–14, 2026 — Billings, MontanaThank 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

    1h 11m
  2. S.3 Ep.4- Building a Successful Fire Investigation Unit: Workflows, Culture, and Results

    FEB 18

    S.3 Ep.4- Building a Successful Fire Investigation Unit: Workflows, Culture, and Results

    Send a text In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens are joined by Fire Investigators Bill Strohm and Oliver Gillespie to explain how their fire investigation unit operates and why their structure leads to strong case outcomes. They break down the roles of shift investigators, who handle origin and cause, evidence collection, and witness interviews at active scenes, and day-shift investigators, who manage follow-ups, warrants, law enforcement coordination, and case preparation for prosecution. The team discusses how having two investigators on scene helps reduce bias and strengthen findings, the importance of building relationships with partner agencies, and how persistence and collaboration support long-term arson investigations. The episode closes with practical advice for solo investigators on capturing perishable information, staying disciplined with the scientific method, and communicating technical concepts clearly in court. Upcoming Trainings & Dates: New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, NM)California Conference of Arson Investigators Training Seminar — February 23–26, 2026 (CA)Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College) — March 9–13, 2026 (San Diego, CA)Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Marietta, GA)Alabama Spring Training (Free) — April 7, 2026 (Decatur, AL)IAAI International Training Conference (ITC) — April 26–30, 2026 (St. Louis, MO)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

    1h 7m
  3. S.3 Ep.3- From the Legal Desk: Certified v. Qualified and Common Attacks on Reports ft. Attorney Lauren Guber

    FEB 4

    S.3 Ep.3- From the Legal Desk: Certified v. Qualified and Common Attacks on Reports ft. Attorney Lauren Guber

    Send a text In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with returning guest Attorney Lauren Guber for a real-world conversation on how fire investigations hold up when the stakes are high—especially in court. The episode kicks off with a sharp comparison between the U.S. approach to fire investigation standards and the UK’s “Code of Practice” concept, which reads more like “you shall” than “you should.” From there, Lauren breaks down what attorneys actually lean on when challenging an expert: your credentials, your investigation, and what you didn’t do—and why being “qualified” under NFPA 1033 isn’t the same thing as being “certified,” even though juries may treat it that way. The crew also digs into why continuing education matters (even more than years on the job), how peer review can sharpen investigators fast, and why programs like the Science Advisory Workgroup (“SAW group”) are a game-changer for improving report quality and courtroom readiness. You’ll also hear highlights from a SAW group showcase in Oregon—where investigators presented cases, the audience got reports via QR code to follow along, and the panel asked the kind of questions that feel a lot like trial pressure (but with a learning-first vibe). The conversation closes with Lauren’s practical courtroom advice: don’t downplay your experience, tell your story clearly (especially for juries), and for the love of the transcript—slow down so the court reporter can keep up. Plus, the episode drops quick industry updates (“WTF We Train Frequently”), sponsor chatter, and ends on a nerdy teaser: what’s the difference between a chromatograph and a chromatogram—and why fire investigators should actually know. Kansas Annual Conference (WTF We Train Frequently) — February 3–5, 2026 (Wichita, Kansas)IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) — Local/Orange County — February 20, 2026 (Irvine, California; Orange County Fire Authority HQ)California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Annual Training — February 23–26, 2026 (California)New Mexico Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Cobb, Georgia)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

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 50!- The Series Continues; Basic Fire Science | NFPA 921 Chapter 5

    JAN 22

    Episode 50!- The Series Continues; Basic Fire Science | NFPA 921 Chapter 5

    Send a text In this milestone 50th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into Chapter 5: Basic Fire Science from the 2024 edition of NFPA 921. This episode breaks down foundational fire science concepts that investigators are frequently challenged on in court—covering the definition of fire, energy vs. power, heat flux, modes of heat transfer, minimum ignition energy (MIE), flammable limits, and suppression effects. Scott and Chasity explain how misunderstandings of fire dynamics, radiant heat, convection, and material properties can lead to incorrect origin-and-cause conclusions—and how defense attorneys exploit these gaps. Using real-world examples, courtroom-style questions, and investigator-friendly analogies, they emphasize treating fire as a process, not just a pattern. The episode also celebrates 50 episodes, discusses advanced education at Eastern Kentucky University and Oklahoma State University, and answers listener questions on cigarette ignition research. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator, student, or expert witness, this episode reinforces why mastering basic fire science is essential for credible, defensible investigations. IAAI Annual Conference (Wichita, Kansas) — February 3–5 New Mexico Annual Training Conference — February 23–27 IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) Class / Practicum (hosted at Orange County Fire Authority – Orange County, CA) — Dates not stated in the episode CCAI (California Conference of Arson Investigators) — February 23–26 Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College – San Diego, CA) — March 9–13 Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference (Cobb / Marietta, Georgia) — March 16–19 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

    1h 16m
  5. S.3 Ep.1- New Year Refresh; Site Safety Assessments

    JAN 7

    S.3 Ep.1- New Year Refresh; Site Safety Assessments

    Send a text Season 3 kicks off with a timely and critical conversation on site safety assessments and why they are more than just a procedural checkbox—they’re a fundamental part of the fire investigation process. Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens open the new year by reflecting on recent cases, near-misses, and real-world examples that highlight how quickly an investigation can become dangerous when scene hazards aren’t properly assessed, mitigated, and documented. From energized electrical systems in fire-damaged structures to compromised floors, structural instability, soot exposure, and unauthorized occupants, this episode underscores that investigators must actively verify scene safety rather than rely on assumptions or third-party assurances. The discussion dives into what governing documents actually require, breaking down how NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, and NFPA 1321 address site safety assessments and why the word “shall” matters—especially in court. Scott and Chasity explain how failing to document a safety assessment in your report becomes low-hanging fruit for attorneys, even when the assessment was performed. They also explore the differences between public and private scene control, how safety officers and incident command influence access, and why investigators must continually reassess hazards as conditions change. The episode closes with training opportunities related to investigator safety, a practical explanation of what a white paper is (and how it differs from a technical report), and a challenge for listeners to define SOPs—and distinguish them from SOGs—before the next episode. Trainings & Conferences Mentioned Fire Investigation Safety Officer Training Mesa, Arizona — February 9–10, 2026New Hampton, New York — February 11–12, 2026(Future offerings also mentioned in Illinois, April–May 2026; exact dates TBD)Kansas IAAI Annual Conference Wichita — February 3–5, 2026New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference Albuquerque — February 23–27, 2026California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Training California — February 23–26, 2026Scott and Chasity will be teaching at this conferenceGeorgia Fire Investigators Association – Spring Conference Marietta — March 16–19, 2026(Held at Cobb County location)Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW Group) – Mock Report Challenge Oregon — January 2026Exact dates not specified during the episodeThank 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

    51 min
  6. Embercast 3- Arc vs. Arc Site: Why Words Matter in Fire Investigation ft. Engineer Cameron Novak; Merry Christmas!

    12/24/2025 · BONUS

    Embercast 3- Arc vs. Arc Site: Why Words Matter in Fire Investigation ft. Engineer Cameron Novak; Merry Christmas!

    Send a text In this Christmas Eve Embercast, Chasity and Scott slow things down with a short, informal episode focused on listener feedback, community connection, and the continued growth of the fire investigation profession. Rather than a full-length case discussion, this Ember-style episode highlights messages from investigators around the world—including Australia—and explores meaningful conversations sparked by listener questions, critiques, and ideas. Topics include a listener-requested concept for a wildfire investigation roundtable series, advice for investigators preparing for the IAAI CFI certification exam, and a discussion on the difference between studying for a test and conducting real-world research. The episode also addresses a technical terminology correction—“arc” versus “arc site”—and why precision in language matters in both investigations and the courtroom. Chasity and Scott reflect on the importance of collaboration between public and private fire investigators, introduce a new 2025 segment titled “Here’s the Scenario—Figure It Out,” and discuss why NFPA 921 should be viewed as a framework rather than a standalone research document. The Embercast closes with shoutouts to fellow fire investigation podcasts helping move the industry forward and a holiday message to listeners. Full episodes return January 7. 🎄🔥 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

    24 min
  7. S.2 Ep.25- Inside IAAI Training Week: Evidence, Vehicles, and Real Fire Investigator Lessons ft. Chris Ellis, Anabelle Brown, and Elliot Brown

    12/17/2025

    S.2 Ep.25- Inside IAAI Training Week: Evidence, Vehicles, and Real Fire Investigator Lessons ft. Chris Ellis, Anabelle Brown, and Elliot Brown

    Send a text This episode is basically a training recap and a reality check for anyone trying to level up in origin and cause—especially in motor vehicle fires and evidence handling. Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick things off by talking about hosting multiple IAAI classes in Orange County, including the newer Evidence Collection course and the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) practicum, with real talk about what surprised them, what they wish the class showed more clearly, and why “verbalizing the process” is the make-or-break skill on skills-based testing. Then they sit down with Chris Ellis (motor vehicle fire investigation instructor) to talk about how he got into the fire service, how he became an investigator, and why vehicle fires intimidate even seasoned investigators: fast consumption, heavy damage, and patterns that don’t behave like a structure fire. Chris breaks down what the 3-day Motor Vehicle Fire Investigation class covers, why the curriculum was recently rewritten, and how the course is built to serve both the 6-month investigator and the 20-year veteran—including the value of having manufacturer reps (Volvo, Subaru, Honda, Mercedes, etc.) in the room to strengthen real-world knowledge and future case networking. The episode also gets practical: how instructors build diverse investigation groups (not “buddy groups”), why public/private collaboration matters, and how inviting the public agency to private vehicle exams can unlock crucial scene context you can’t get later at a yard. You’ll also hear student perspectives from Elliot and Anabelle Brown (children of fire investigator Kevin Brown) on what clicked for them—especially the confidence boost from learning vehicle-specific dynamics and applying them in the final scenario. Finally, you get a fun courtroom-minded segment on donut patterns (NFPA 921 reference included), why terminology can wreck your testimony if you’re unprepared, and a teaser “word of the week” for next time: white paper. Trainings and dates (from the WTF segment) Kansas IAAI Annual Conference — February 3–5, 2026 — Wichita, KansasNew Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 — Albuquerque, New MexicoCalifornia Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) — February 23–26, 2026 — San Luis Obispo, California (discounted rate if registered by February 2)IAAI International Training Conference (ITC) — April 26–30, 2026 — St. Louis, MissouriNational Fire Academy (NFA) application windows mentioned: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (for on-campus classes occurring in April–June 2026)Mar 15, 2026 – Apr 15, 2026 (for on-campus classes occurring in July–Sept 2026)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

    1h 9m
  8. S.2 Ep.24- Back to the Basics; NFPA 921 Ch. 4 - Basic Methodology

    12/03/2025

    S.2 Ep.24- Back to the Basics; NFPA 921 Ch. 4 - Basic Methodology

    Send a text 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 InvestigationWildland Fire Investigation OverviewScience Advisory Workgroup (SAW Group) workshopCrime lab & evidence collectionResiliency TrainingThank 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

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
150 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of origin and cause investigations. Join hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens, experienced fire investigators, as they discuss all things fire investigation from the latest techniques, case studies, and challenges faced by professionals in this critical field. Through a community effort, this podcast aims to create a platform for investigators to learn from one another and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a first responder, or simply curious about the science behind fire investigations, this bi-weekly podcast will provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your knowledge and skills. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fire investigation and join the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast
  • Show Website
    Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

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