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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, 2026
• New 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, 2026

New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference

• Albuquerque — February 23–27, 2026

California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Training

• California — February 23–26, 2026
  • Scott and Chasity will be teaching at this conference

Georgia 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 2026
  • Exact dates not specified during the episode

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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. 🎄🔥

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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, Kansas
• New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 — Albuquerque, New Mexico
• California 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, Missouri

National 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)

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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.

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