Vol. 2 · June 2026 · Midwest United States
Midwest Fire Investigation
Scientific Fire Cause and Origin Analysis for the Midwest
Cover Story · Fire Safety

How Do Fire Alarm Systems Detect Smoke?

A breakdown of how different fire alarm systems detect smoke, including heat detectors, photoelectric alarms, ionization alarms, and aspirating smoke detectors.

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Fire Safety

How Do Fire Alarm Systems Detect Smoke?

A breakdown of how different fire alarm systems detect smoke, including heat detectors, photoelectric alarms, ionization alarms, and aspirating smoke detectors.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·
Fire Investigation

Vehicle Fire Investigation: How Investigators Determine Origin in Car and Truck Fires

Discover how fire investigators determine the origin and cause of vehicle fires in cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles using systematic methods.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Safety

Do Fire Alarms Trigger Fire Sprinklers?

Fire alarms and fire sprinklers serve different purposes and operate independently. Learn how each system works and why smoke detectors do not activate sprinkler heads.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·
Insurance Claims

Fire Insurance Claims in the Midwest: When Your Claim Gets Disputed

Understand why fire insurance claims get disputed in the Midwest and what policyholders should know about the investigation and resolution process.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Safety

Fire Sprinkler Systems: Types, Pros, and Cons

An overview of the four main types of fire sprinkler systems — pre-action, dry pipe, wet pipe, and deluge — and the advantages and disadvantages of each for commercial buildings.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·
Arson Investigation

Arson Investigation: How Investigators Distinguish Accidental from Intentional Fires

Learn how fire investigators distinguish between accidental and intentional fires using scientific methods, burn pattern analysis, and evidence collection.

By James Whitfield ·