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Fire & Explosion
Origin & Cause Investigation

Uncovering the Origin & Cause:
determining causation and contributing factors

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Determining Fires & Explosion Origin & Cause: Evidence for Claims

When fire erupts or an explosion occurs, the aftermath can be devastating, leaving behind complex questions about causation and liability. At Mission Critical Forensics, we provide comprehensive fire & explosion investigation services across Ontario and beyond. Based in Toronto and serving clients throughout the province, our expert, systematic investigations deliver precise insights crucial for resolving insurance claims, supporting legal proceedings, and preventing costly future occurrences.

Investigating a wide range of fire and explosion incidents:

I. Electrical Fires

Investigating fires suspected of electrical origin, including those linked to:

  • Wiring systems

  • Appliances (commercial and residential)

  • Lighting systems (HID, neon, LED, fluorescent)

  • Power distribution equipment failures

  • Overloaded circuits and arc mapping

II. Appliance & Battery - Related Fires

  • Battery – Related Fires:

    • Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery Fires

    • Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) Battery Fires

    • Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) Battery Fires

    • Lead-acid Battery Fires

    • Other consumer and industrial battery cells and packs

  • Commercial appliances

  • Residential appliances

III. Explosions

Determining the cause of explosions, covering those caused by:

  • Power distribution faults

  • Static electricity

  • Equipment and element breakdowns

  • Chemical reactions

IV. Non-Electrical Fires

  • Gas leaks and fuel-related incidents

  • Spontaneous combustion events

  • Human error and negligence cases

V. System Failures Related to Fire

  • Control systems

  • Alarm systems

  • Fire suppression systems

V. Vehicle and Equipment Fires

  • Private passenger vehicles

  • Electric vehicles

  • Tractor-trailers

  • Forestry equipment

  • Commercial passenger vehicles

  • Marine vessels

  • Agriculture equipment

  • Construction equipment

  • Industrial equipment

VI. Chemical Incidents

  • Chemical compounds

  • Industrial process failures

  • Contamination issues

  • Reactive chemicals

MCF's Rigorous Investigative Process: Adhering to NFPA 921

MCF’s systematic, scientific, and evidence-based approach to fire and explosion investigation includes:

  • Scene Examination: On-site investigation to identify origin and collect initial data.
  • Evidence Collection & Preservation: Documentation and preservation of physical evidence.
  • Documentation Review: Analysis of operational logs, maintenance records, design documents, and control system data.
  • Interviews: Gathering information from operators, service personnel, and witnesses.
  • Laboratory Analysis: Specialized lab tests for debris, materials, or components to identify causes.
  • Technical Analysis: Advanced analytical techniques and field testing of systems and components.
  • Sequence Modelling: Developing models to understand event sequence, fire propagation, and contributing factors.
  • Code & Standard Analysis: Reviewing applicable codes, standards, and regulations for compliance.

These investigations precisely identify causation, differentiate failure types, and determine event sequences. All work follows NFPA 921 guidelines, and our lead investigators include NAFI Certified Fire Investigators (CFEI).

All complex loss investigations are led by our Principal Engineer, Alicia Yan P.Eng.. 

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