Send us a text

Live from IAAI-ITC with Fire Investigation Students Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty.

Scott and Chasity return to in-person recording after their busy 4th of July weekend, diving into an engaging conversation about AI-generated images and Scott's impressive new wildland fire investigation app. The hosts share their experiences identifying fake AI content and discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in media. Scott reveals his exciting project - a custom app designed for his FI 210 wildland fire investigation class that helps students identify 11 key indicators in the field, complete with photos and confidence levels for advancing, lateral, and backing fire spreads.

The main feature presents Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty, two passionate students from Eastern Kentucky University who are making waves in fire investigation research. Molly, a senior fire investigation major whose firefighter father influenced her career path, and Maggie, a forensic science major with a biology concentration, share their fascinating work on depth of calcination studies. Their research examines how different types of gypsum board (lightweight Type C, moisture resistant, soundproof, and Glass Rock) respond to various heat fluxes using digital depth probes for consistent measurements. The students explain how their color-coded graphs and precise data collection could revolutionize how investigators interpret fire damage patterns in the field.

The episode also features valuable resources for aspiring investigators, including recommendations for Fire Investigation magazine, John Lentini's newsletter archives, and networking opportunities through the IAAI student program. With upcoming training opportunities in Arizona, Georgia, California, Hawaii, Indiana, and Tennessee, plus a special virtual wildland investigation seminar, this episode perfectly captures the collaborative spirit and cutting-edge research driving the fire investigation community forward.

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

Get ready for a mind-blowing deep dive into the science of spontaneous combustion!

Scott and Chastity catch up on their busy schedules, with Scott fresh from teaching at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno where students bond over four intensive weeks of training. The hosts discuss recent marine fire investigation training and upcoming wildland classes before diving into the main event.

The Doug Byron Interview: Spontaneous Combustion Masterclass

The real star of this episode is Dr. Doug Byron from Fast Labs, a renowned expert in spontaneous combustion who's been practicing forensic scientific testing for 30 years. His journey into fire forensics began unexpectedly after a car accident derailed his military aviation plans, leading him to answer phones at his father's ATF laboratory - and the rest is history.

Doug definitively settles the mulch pile debate that plagues investigators: small playground mulch piles CANNOT spontaneously combust. The mass simply isn't there for heat retention. But here's the kicker - castor oil in hair products can absolutely cause spontaneous ignition in laundry baskets, something most investigators have never encountered.

The episode reveals why Friday and Saturday night commercial fires often involve spontaneous combustion - workers rushing to leave for the weekend skip proper rag disposal protocols. Doug explains the fascinating science behind cooking oil fires in restaurants, particularly Mediterranean and Mexican establishments where heavy oils create perfect storm conditions.

Pro Tips That Will Blow Your Mind:

• Your HVAC filter can be tested for byproducts of spontaneous combustion reactions - a forensic goldmine most investigators never consider
• Dryer cool-down cycles exist for a reason - removing clothes early creates dangerous conditions
• Cotton rags can retain oils through multiple wash cycles, remaining reactive for weeks
• Microfiber rags actually prevent spontaneous combustion because they melt before reaching critical temperatures

The Flowchart Revolution

Perhaps the most exciting development discussed is the creation of a spontaneous combustion investigation flowchart, inspired by student Sawyer's brilliant suggestion. This practical tool will help investigators systematically evaluate scenes and communicate effectively with laboratories.

Doug shares incredible case studies including hay bales (biological degradation), recycling super bags, and even latex gloves in warehouses. The science behind "clinkers" - those concrete-like masses found in burned materials - gets thoroughly explained, debunking old myths about their diagnostic value.

The conversation explores the differences between chemical reactions (cooking oils, wood stains) and biological processes (hay, organic materials). Doug explains why spray paints can self-heat but rarely ignite, and shares a jaw-dropping case involving aluminum signs with linseed oil ink that reached over 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit before open flame.

The episode concludes with information about upcoming training opportunities, including marine fire investigation in Boise and the Illinois Chapter seminar where Scott and Chastity will teach AI applications and defensive report writing strategies.

This episode is essential listening for any fire investigator serious about understanding spontaneous combustion. Doug Byron's expertise, combined with practical case studies and acti

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this compelling episode, host Chasity Owens delivers a solo intro while Scott Kuhlman attends Marine Fire Investigation training through IAAI. This special episode features inspiring stories from Guatemala and engaging conversations with dedicated podcast listeners, showcasing the global reach and impact of fire investigation.

Key Highlights

Breaking Ground in Guatemala: Gretel's remarkable story of becoming Guatemala's first and only certified fire investigator after starting as a technology coach for struggling firefighters in 2014. Despite having no prior fire investigation knowledge, her engineering background and passion for learning led her to pursue training across multiple countries, paying out of pocket to build the expertise her country desperately needed.

Building a Fire Investigation Program: Learn how Gretel established her own fire investigation company, handling approximately 100 cases annually across Guatemala and Central America while training new investigators and maintaining her volunteer firefighter duties. Her work fills a critical gap where no public fire investigation services existed.

The Construction Connection: Both Braden and Dale emphasize the crucial importance of understanding building construction in fire investigation. Their backgrounds in code enforcement and construction provide invaluable insights into how buildings are designed, and built, and how fire travels through different structural systems.

International Training Efforts: The episode explores ongoing efforts to bring fire investigation training to underserved regions, including recent IAAI fundamentals training in Guatemala and upcoming programs in Colombia, Paraguay, and Chile.

Training Announcements

• Arizona Annual Training Conference: July 23-25 in Prescott, Arizona
• Georgia ATC: July 28-31 in Savannah, Georgia (featuring EV fires, solar panel investigations, and serial arsonist profiling)
• California Conference of Arson Investigators: October 6-9 (includes live burn day)

Sponsor Spotlight

The episode features Clean Space respiratory protection systems, highlighting improved visibility, comfort, and safety for fire scene investigations. Contact Tim Costa at 401-573-5341 or tim.costa@itl.us for more information.

Episode Takeaways

This episode powerfully demonstrates the universal need for fire investigation expertise and the dedication required to build these capabilities from scratch. Gretel's story serves as an inspiration for investigators worldwide, while the listener segment reinforces the importance of networking and continuous learning within the fire investigation community. The diverse backgrounds of all guests underscore how different professional experiences enhance fire investigation capabilities.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent official positions of affiliated organizations.

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens deliver another compelling installment from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training conference. Recording remotely while Scott teaches at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno, the duo presents an illuminating conversation with Rick and Cassandra Jones, two passionate advocates for fire investigation certification and training excellence.

Rick Jones shares his journey from law enforcement canine handler to IAAI board member and eventual president during the challenging COVID-19 period, where he helped pivot the organization to remote training delivery. His wife Cassandra, with her educational background in English, brings her expertise in report writing and program development to their shared mission of elevating industry standards. Together, they've built a successful fire investigation company while dedicating countless volunteer hours to improving certification programs and training quality across the field.

The conversation centers on the critical importance of obtaining professional certifications, particularly the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) program. The Joneses announce significant updates to certification requirements, including the elimination of mandatory evidence collection numbers in favor of training-based qualifications and the addition of five new evidence categories specifically designed for private-side investigators. These changes address long-standing concerns from investigators who participate in evidence collection but may not physically handle items themselves, making certifications more accessible while maintaining rigorous standards.

Rick and Cassandra emphasize that certifications serve as third-party validation of an investigator's competency, going beyond the minimum requirements of NFPA 1033 to include practical demonstrations and courtroom testimony experience. They detail the upcoming alignment of all IAAI certifications to five-year renewal cycles, streamlining the process for investigators while ensuring continued professional development. The couple's commitment extends to personally answering questions from members, with Rick providing his direct phone number and encouraging investigators at all levels to reach out for guidance.

The episode also highlights the Joneses' innovative internship program, where university students pursuing fire investigation degrees spend 5-7 weeks living and working with their company, gaining invaluable real-world experience. These stories, including humorous accounts of interns learning the realities of hands-and-knees scene processing, demonstrate their dedication to nurturing the next generation of fire investigators.

Scott and Chasity wrap up with their popular segments, including "We Train Frequently" spotlighting upcoming conferences in Arizona and Georgia, and "Can You Use It In A Sentence" continuing their educational series on fire investigation terminology. The hosts also address listener questions about accessing Science Advisory Work Group meetings, explaining the confidential nature of these peer review sessions while encouraging participation in local chapters.

This episode reinforces the podcast's mission of connecting the fire investigation community through shared knowledge and professional development opportunities, showcasing how industry leaders like Rick and Cassandra Jones are working tirelessly to advance the field through improved training and certifica

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this episode, Scott and Chasity reunite in-studio after several remote recordings to discuss their recent activities and introduce a special panel discussion about the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW). Scott shares his excitement about getting accepted into OSU for a master's program, while the hosts debate the value of continuing education in fire investigation. They emphasize the importance of bachelor's degrees for investigators before diving into the main interview segment.

The featured interview, recorded in Michigan, includes guest co-host Lauren Guber (a California Deputy Attorney General) along with Dr. Elizabeth Buck and Brian Fine (retired from the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office). They discuss SAW, a program that originated in Texas to improve fire investigation through peer review. The panel explains how investigators present cases to a diverse group of experts who then evaluate whether the investigation meets scientific standards. This constructive criticism helps investigators strengthen their reports and testimony, ultimately leading to more credible courtroom presentations. Brian shares how investigators initially dreaded these reviews but eventually began voluntarily submitting cases to showcase their improved work.

The group discusses the challenges fire investigators face in court, particularly in Daubert states where scientific testimony is more strictly evaluated. Lauren explains how prosecutors must prove both that fire investigation expertise is needed and that the specific investigator is qualified to provide it. The panel emphasizes that maintaining credibility is crucial, as a poor performance in one case can follow investigators throughout their careers.

Dr. Buck discusses efforts to expand the SAW program beyond Texas, having recently introduced it to Michigan with hopes of bringing it to California next. The episode concludes with the "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment featuring "hot gas layer" as the next term in their educational series, following previous explanations of "plume" and "ceiling jet." Scott and Chasity also address fan mail, including a question about Scott's recent court case and feedback about standardizing fire damage classification terminology.

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens catch up before diving into an interview with Kayla Theriot who is in Business Development for iGuide, a 3D camera solution company. Scott, teaching in San Diego while Chasity holds down the fort in Orange County, discusses how they're experimenting with remote recording to maintain their signature dynamic intro style. The hosts tease their excitement about iGuide's technology and its applications in fire investigation before jumping into the interview.

Kayla shares her journey from restoration to fire investigation, bringing a unique perspective having worked in multiple facets of the industry. As iGuide's first US hire, she explains how their 360-degree camera technology creates immersive virtual tours with precise measurements, floor plans, and customizable tags to document evidence. The standout features include the ability to download and own your data without subscription fees, lightning-fast 15-minute AI-drafted floor plans for properties under 4,000 square feet, and professionally drafted plans within 24 hours for larger properties.

The conversation sparks numerous ideas for applying iGuide in fire investigation, including creating training materials, documenting wildland fires, developing heat vector analysis tools, and enabling students to practice evidence identification through virtual scene examinations. The hosts and Kayla brainstorm innovative applications while highlighting the cost efficiency of the system—only $2,500 for the camera with no mandatory subscription fees and pay-per-project processing starting at just $5 for smaller projects.

The episode wraps with their "Can You Use It in a Sentence" segment introducing the term "plume" with a promise to cover "ceiling jet" in the next episode, continuing their educational series on fire terminology. Though not currently sponsored by iGuide, the hosts hint at potential future partnership while emphasizing they only endorse products they genuinely believe in.

Website for iGuide: goiguide.com

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this live episode, Scott opens the show solo from San Diego where he's instructing a 40-hour basic origin and cause class, while Chasity is held up at home with the flu. Scott extends a heartfelt thank you to conference attendees who shared feedback and listening habits, with many enjoying the podcast during workouts, commutes, or before calls. He encourages listeners to get involved with their local IAAI chapters to accelerate their learning curves through networking with experienced investigators.

The featured interview showcases two IAAI leaders: Immediate Past President Trace Lawless and current President Dave Bridges. Their discussion highlights the organization's impressive progress on strategic planning goals, with a focus on operational excellence and international expansion. Trace shares his 43-year journey in fire investigation, from public service to leading a major carrier's investigation team before retirement. Dave reveals his unusual path from firefighter and accelerant detection canine handler to attorney, driven by a desire to bridge the gap between technical investigation and legal expertise.

Both leaders emphasize IAAI's commitment to serving investigators worldwide through initiatives like Spanish-language captioning, online testing platforms, and an upcoming mobile app that will facilitate networking among members. They encourage new investigators to get involved through the IAAI website (firearson.com) and local chapters. The episode concludes with a sponsorship message from Clean Space, ITL, and Tim Costa, followed by the "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" segment introducing the term "plume" for discussion in the next episode.

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens record live from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Training Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With nearly 900 attendees at the conference, the hosts discuss the value of networking and the exciting atmosphere of the event, intentionally keeping background noise to give listeners the authentic conference experience.

Scott and Chasity begin by emphasizing the importance of connection in the fire investigation community, encouraging listeners to attend these conferences, bring business cards, and engage with experienced professionals. The hosts share their excitement about upcoming interview segments with industry leaders including Doug Byron and Elaine Pope, which will be released in future episodes.

The main segment features an interview with Sawyer Garriques, chair of the IAAI Student Committee, who discusses the vital role of the committee in connecting students with industry professionals. Sawyer, a fire investigator for an insurance carrier who graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, explains how the student committee works to bridge the gap between education and professional practice. He shares information about student memberships ($50 annually compared to the regular $100 fee), the resources available through IAAI, and upcoming virtual events including a career fair planned for September. Sawyer emphasizes that anyone interested in fire investigation can reach out to students@firearson.com, even if they're not technically students.

The episode also includes a brief segment with Tim Costa from Clean Space, who discusses their respiratory protection products designed specifically for fire investigators. The hosts close with their regular segment, "Can You Use It in a Sentence," where they explain fire science terminology, including laminar versus turbulent flames and premixed versus diffusion combustion. Scott introduces "networking" as the word of the week, highlighting its importance at conferences like the IAAI.

Throughout the episode, Scott and Chasity emphasize their commitment to connecting new investigators with resources and mentors in the field, making this live conference episode a perfect example of their mission to share knowledge and ignite curiosity in fire investigation.

Thank you for listening!

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.

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @infocus_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast