Course Description:

This 2-hour session will review NFPA 1033 standards and 921 guidelines, which explore the 7 steps of the scientific method and how they apply to fire investigations, scene preservation, fire patterns, heat transfer, interviewing, and evidence handling.

Several case studies will be discussed covering structure, appliance, and vehicle fires. The knowledge gained during this session will provide a more thorough understanding of how the scientific method is applied during investigations.

The session will also explore how collaboration by the OFM, private investigators, public safety agencies and the legal system play a vital role in fire investigations.

Instructor(s):

Andrea Gaynor, CFEI

Andrea has done the hat trick of emergency services, with 34 years of service.  She was an ambulance dispatcher for 2 years full time and 8 years part time while a police officer with the Halton Regional Police for 22 years. She worked in sexual assaults, child abuse, fraud, and became a lead detective in homicides. She moved on to a new challenge with the OFM where she investigated over 375 fires and explosions, 5 were homicides and has qualified as an expert at all levels of court. She is now an investigator with Origin and Cause.

Michelle Bradley, CFEI

Michelle specializes in vehicle fire investigation, failure analysis, product liability, residential and commercial appliances, equipment malfunctions in sprinkler systems, and heating and refrigeration equipment. She also has experience investigating vehicle fires including transport trucks, forestry, and farm equipment. Prior to entering the field of forensic engineering, Michelle performed mechanical engineering tests and evaluations for Ford Canada and was an equipment engineer for Samsung Austin Semiconductor.