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

NFPA 1033: The Professional Qualifications Standard for Fire Investigators

An overview of NFPA 1033, the standard defining professional qualifications for fire investigators, and why it matters for credibility and court testimony.

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Fire Investigation

NFPA 1033: The Professional Qualifications Standard for Fire Investigators

An overview of NFPA 1033, the standard defining professional qualifications for fire investigators, and why it matters for credibility and court testimony.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Investigation

Cooking Fires vs Electrical Fires: How Investigators Tell the Difference

How fire investigators differentiate between cooking fires and electrical fires in residential settings using physical evidence and systematic analysis.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Investigation

What Is a Fire Investigation Report and How Is It Used in Court?

Learn what a fire investigation report contains, how it is structured, and how courts evaluate these reports as evidence in fire-related litigation.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Investigation

Wildland Interface Fires in the Midwest: Investigation Challenges for Rural Properties

Understand the unique challenges of investigating wildland-urban interface fires affecting rural Midwest properties, from grass fires to timber burns.

By James Whitfield ·
Insurance Claims

How to Preserve Evidence After a Fire for Insurance and Legal Purposes

Essential guidance on preserving fire scene evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings, including what to protect and common preservation mistakes.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Safety

Dos and Don'ts When a Fire Starts

What to do and what to avoid when a fire breaks out, including evacuation planning, stop drop and roll, and why you should never break windows or open hot doors.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·