In most investigations, we start by obtaining witness evidence. Consideration of such evidence is the first step in establishing a narrative of events, and often important in determining policy liability.
The number of building fires is reducing, nevertheless such fires can often result in local and or national significance. Fires occurring within buildings will often result in significant damage to both the structure and contents. Even the smallest of fires can result in a claim for significant costs, partly due to the increasing cost materials and labour to repair or rebuild.
Buildings cover Dwellings (flats, bungalows and houses), Commercial (shops, office restaurants and garages), Industrial (warehouses and manufacturing) and Agriculture (barns and sheds).
Each of these building type present both the common and unique causes of fires as well as the roll of the human activities taking place within the buildings.
Our primary focus during an investigation is the cause of the fire not that the fire has occurred in a specific type of building. However, the type of activities occurring in the building present an indication as to the likely causes of a fire. The construction of a building can affect both the spread and severity of the fire-damaged to it.
Our experts are qualified engineers and scientists, are trained to evaluate the physical and any witness evidence to identify the most likely origin of the fire and from there establish the most likely cause.
If you are dealing with a building fire and want to know what has caused it, you need a forensic investigator. Hawkins can provide an expert and can offer clarity and answers to your questions.
WHY APPOINT A FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR?
We have the expertise, technical knowledge and experience to tell you why a fire has occurred, not just what caused it.
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
HOW DOES MARVITO SERVICES INVESTIGATE BUILDING FIRES?
We seek to attend the scene as quickly as possible after the instruction (usually within 24 hours). The sooner we can attended an incident after it has been handed back by the Fire Service the more likely that the critical evidence has not been disturbed.
We will seek to obtain accounts from witnesses both directly relating to the discovery of the fire and to understand the general activities in the building prior to the fire occurring. Where necessary we liaise with the Fire Service, Police and HSE to obtain information and work alongside them where possible to establish the cause of the fire.
We will also seek to obtain all relevant information, including for example, service records, photographs, and videos (CCTV). We will seek to obtain any relevant documentation relating to safety checks (e.g. gas and electrical) and where necessary documents to identify the make, model and age of appliances. These discussions help us to understand your requirements. We are also happy to provide you with an estimate of the cost of conducting a forensic investigation.
We will retain all relevant exhibits for more detailed examination in our laboratory, to try and identify the precise cause of the fire. This is often undertaken jointly with representatives of third parties’ insurers.
We maintain awareness of any product safety recalls or repair actions relating to the risk of fires, that are issued by manufactures for their products.
Once our examination is complete, we will discuss our findings with you and prepare a Preliminary Appraisal or report, usually within three days of the scene visit, which will containing the account of our investigation, conclusions, and where appropriate, further work or advice.
CASE STUDY
HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY DISHWASHER
Just before going to bed the homeowner switched on the dishwasher to run a two hour washing cycle. At approximately 01:30 am, his son was woken up to find smoke in his room and he was struggling to breath.