Fire Investigations

- Scene Examination
- Origin and Cause Investigations
- Evidence Collection & Storage

Our company specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions. In large complicated losses multiple disciplines are often needed in gathering and documenting evidence. UIS has on its staff professional registered electrical engineers, structural engineers and civil engineers. In addition, we offer fire code and building experts and a Ph.D. in Industrial Hygiene.

Whether it is a small loss or a petro-chemical plant, UIS is at the top of its field in fire sciences. Fire and explosion investigations are our core business and since UIS is not owned by or associated with an interested party, such as an adjusting company or law firm, our independence completely eliminates issues of "conflict of interest" or bias. UIS is where America goes for independent, objective investigative services.

Scene Examination
The scene examination is an economical service in which the expert goes to the scene and then reports to the client the facts discovered at the scene. The scene is photographed, diagrammed and examined. When needed evidence is obtained, marked and documented.

The scene examination will provide you with adequate facts to determine whether you need additional investigative tasks performed or whether the investigation should be concluded. A report is provided and a preliminary finding is described. In the event the claim is litigated, further investigative tasks are normally needed for the expert to be able to determine the cause of the event.

Origin and Cause Investigation
Not only is the scene thoroughly examined and photographed and necessary evidence taken, but the person discovering the fire or explosion is interviewed. The first arriving firefighters and the local investigating officials are also interviewed. The origin and cause investigation allows the expert to gather enough facts to appear in court and testify as to where the fire or explosion originated and what caused the event.

Obviously, there are some events where there are simply not enough facts remaining to determine the cause, but UIS is able to determine the cause of the event in over eighty percent of its cases. UIS also provides professional supervision and maintains checks and balances to ensure that clients are receiving the highest technological and scientific service available in this country today. The client can expect that, when UIS determines the origin and cause of an event, the facts surrounding the event will be well documented and evidence carefully obtained and preserved. When the event is undetermined, we challenge any expert in our field to scientifically support a different opinion.

Evidence Collection & Storage
Experts and engineers collect evidence, and secured evidence storage facilities are provided. Many lawsuits arise from the destruction or loss of evidence. We have eliminated those risks by having strictly enforced guidelines and tightly controlled evidence procedures. Evidence is carefully collected and preserved.

Evidence that is collected for testing and further analysis is maintained under secure conditions while being examined by various engineering disciplines. After scientific analysis, the evidence is transferred into permanent secured storage where it can easily be retrieved when needed. You can expect UIS to handle evidence with the care and attention it deserves.