Forensic Fire Investigation
David Townsend Fire Consultancy services: We conduct full and thorough investigations of fire and explosion involving any building, vehicle or vessel to establish the cause and the reason for fire spread. This includes re examination of "Cold cases". We also highlight significant contributory factors including possible contraventions of statutes or regulations. We provide advice for prevention and protection measures.
David Townsend, a former Metropolitan Police Officer, served over 30 years in the London Fire Brigade. The last 11 of those years were in the Fire Investigation Department. London is one of few brigades in the UK to maintain such a department. It is well funded, managed and resourced. It is widely regarded, internationally, as a centre of excellence in the field. During his time David made significant contributions to the development and standing of that department.
Finding the cause of a fire is often difficult enough but it is only part of the story. Establishing the reasons for fire spread is at least of equal value. If you wish to prevent a recurrence you must understand the cause and the effect.
Many people associate fire investigation almost exclusively with arson. Whilst arson is a serious problem, accidental fires claim more lives and property. Thorough, professional, investigation is the key to prevention of all fires.
Efficient and effective investigation of fire is a "Forensic" process, that is:
"of, relating to, or used in courts of law or public debate or argument"
and,
"Relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems, especially in relation to the detection of crime"
David Townsend is an Associate Consultant to the Building Research Establishment, the Fire Protection Association and to the International Fire and Investigation Consultants (IFIC) for the purposes of fire investigation. He also tutors on the UK Fire Service College Fire Investigation Courses held in the UK and overseas.
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
"I was intrigued at your thought process on how the fire may have spread and impressed at the tenacity with which you confronted the enigma. In these quite difficult circumstances good communication means a great deal and you were excellent at keeping me in touch with your thoughts and discoveries and for this I thank you.
I hope I don't need your services again but for all the right reasons! If a future prospect client needs a reference I would be very happy to provide one".