Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast
Welcome to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of origin and cause investigations. Join hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens, experienced fire investigators, as they discuss all things fire investigation from the latest techniques, case studies, and challenges faced by professionals in this critical field. Through a community effort, this podcast aims to create a platform for investigators to learn from one another and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a first responder, or simply curious about the science behind fire investigations, this bi-weekly podcast will provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your knowledge and skills. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fire investigation and join the conversation.
Episodes
66 episodes
S.3 Ep.17- Snow-Covered Scenes & Unusual Ignition Sequences: Thinking Outside the Box with Investigator Dennis Zigrang
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Fire Investigator Dennis Zigrang of Fire Cause Analysis of Idaho for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of fire investigation across different environments, career path...
Embercast 4- Research on Butane Refrigerators by Eastern Kentucky University Alumni Kaitlyn Cully & Reuben Jasinski
In this short episode, Chasity and Scott sit down with Eastern Kentucky University seniors Reuben Jasinski and Kaitlyn Cully at the IAAI International Training Conference to discuss their fire research involving refrigerators using R-600a butan...
S.3 Ep.16- Transforming Fire Investigation in Brazil: Passion, Standards and Progress
In this episode, recorded live at the IAAI International Training Conference in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Brazilian fire-safety professionals Colonel Paiva and Rogerio Lin to discuss the transformation of fire inv...
S.3 Ep.15- The Body Is Evidence: Investigating Fatal Fire Scenes with Dr. Elaine Pope
What can burned human remains reveal about a fatal fire—and what evidence may be permanently lost when a body is moved too soon?Recorded live at the IAAI International Training Conference in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit...
S.3 Ep.14- EchoSpectra, A New Era of Wildland Fire Documentation; ft. Jesse Sprague, Phinehas Lampman, & Kathleen Matos
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Founder Jesse Sprague, Director of Research & Intelligence Phinehas Lampman, and Software Developer and Data Scientist Kathleen Matos from Axon Int...
S.3 Ep.13- Why Networking Matters & How You Can Help Shape the Next Generation with Fire Investigator Sawyer Garriques
In this episode, Scott and Chasity catch up on fan mail, training opportunities, report writing, and the importance of verifying information in the age of AI before turning the mic over to their conversation with Fire Investigator and Student C...
S.3 Ep.12- Shaping the Future of Fire Investigation for Employers & Students with Fire Investigator's Adam Holloway & John Hill
In this episode, Chasity Owens and Scott Kuhlman are LIVE again at IAAI International Training Conference with a live conversation featuring Fire Investigator and IAAI's 2026 Investigator of the Year Adam Holloway of Genesis Forensics and Fire ...
S.3 Ep.11- LIVE from IAAI-ITC with Past President David Bridges & President Devin Palmer
LIVE from the IAAI ITC in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with IAAI Immediate Past President David Bridges and IAAI Current President Devin Palmer for a powerful conversation about leadership, training, ...
S.3 Ep.10- Minimize Cognitive Bias in Fire Investigation with Fire Investigator Nicole Brewer
LIVE at the International Association of Arson Investigators ITC 2026, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with fire investigator Nicole Brewer for one of the podcast’s most insightful conversations yet. Nicole shares her journey fro...
S.3 Ep.9- Live from IAAI-ITC with Dr. Greg Gorbett talking Fire Dynamics, Proficiency Testing, and the Future of Fire Investigation
Live from IAAI ITC 2026 in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Dr. Greg Gorbett to talk fire investigation, research-based tools, and the future of the profession. The conversation covers the U.S. NRC Fire Dynamics Tools sp...
S.3 Ep.8- "Well Excluuude Me!"- Learning from Real Court Case Scenarios
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens break down real-world court cases where fire investigators were challenged, excluded, or dismantled under legal scrutiny. From Daubert challenges and summary judgment to spoliation of evide...
S.3 Ep.7- NFPA 921 Ch.6 Summary Part 2- Fire Patterns; Patterns, Plumes, and Proof
In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens continue their deep dive into NFPA 921 Chapter 6 with Part 2: Fire Patterns.The episode blends real-world case studies with foundational fire science, reinforcing how fire investigat...
S.3 Ep.6- NFPA 921 Chapter 6 Summary Part 1, Fire Effects; Can You Defend Your Fire Scene Analysis in Deposition?
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their discussion of NFPA 921 Chapter 6 by breaking down one of the most important foundations in fire investigation: fire effects, and then fire pattens next episode. Using real-world de...
S.3 Ep.5- Possibility to Probability, Wildland Fire Investigation, & Affirmative Evidence with Fire Investigator Keith Parker
Recorded live at the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI), this episode features Fire Investigator and researcher Keith Parker for a wide-ranging (and very real) conversation about what it looks like to apply the scientific ...
S.3 Ep.4- Building a Successful Fire Investigation Unit: Workflows, Culture, and Results
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens are joined by Fire Investigators Bill Strohm and Oliver Gillespie to explain how their fire investigation unit operates and why their structure leads to strong case outcomes. They break down the ...
S.3 Ep.3- From the Legal Desk: Certified v. Qualified and Common Attacks on Reports ft. Attorney Lauren Guber
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with returning guest Attorney Lauren Guber for a real-world conversation on how fire investigations hold up when the stakes are high—especially in court. The episode kicks off with a sha...
Episode 50!- The Series Continues; Basic Fire Science | NFPA 921 Chapter 5
In this milestone 50th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into Chapter 5: Basic Fire Science from the 2024 edition of NFPA 921. This episode breaks down foundational fire science concepts that...
S.3 Ep.1- New Year Refresh; Site Safety Assessments
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 n...
Embercast 3- Arc vs. Arc Site: Why Words Matter in Fire Investigation ft. Engineer Cameron Novak; Merry Christmas!
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...
S.2 Ep.25- Inside IAAI Training Week: Evidence, Vehicles, and Real Fire Investigator Lessons ft. Chris Ellis, Anabelle Brown, and Elliot Brown
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 ...
S.2 Ep.24- Back to the Basics; NFPA 921 Ch. 4 - Basic Methodology
In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off an exciting new series diving deep into NFPA 921—starting with one of the most critical chapters in the entire guide: Chapter 4, Basic Methodology. This episode blends expert-level fire ...
S.2 Ep.23- Negative Corpus vs Process of Elimination; Two Alarms, Three Fires, One Security Guard
On this episode, Scott and Chasity go deep into a real commercial structure fire that went all the way to jury trial—and nearly got labeled as “negative corpus” by the defense.They walk through the fire from first alarm to conviction: a ...
S.2 Ep.22 - Protect, Prepare, Participate: The Importance of Safety, Training, & Membership from IAAI Florida Chapter. ft. President Joe Pietrafesa & Vice President Stephen Dollar.
In this episode, Chasity and Scott head to Florida to sit down with newly elected Florida Chapter President Joe Pietrafesa and newly elected Vice President Stephen Dollar. Recorded on Disney property during the state conference, this conversati...
S.2 Ep.21- Forcing the Narrative During Interviews Can Burn Credibility.
In this episode, spooky season banter quickly gives way to a masterclass on interviewing for fire investigation: open-ended vs. leading questions, letting witnesses talk without interruption, taking notes without breaking rapport, and us...
S.2 Ep.20- Discussing Quantify vs. Qualify, Error Rates, Courtroom Tactics & Training Updates
In this episode Chasity and Scott dig into how real-world investigators apply NFPA 921 on scene and on the stand—focusing on why we qualify conclusions (not quantify them), how to express confidence without the discredited “reason...
