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

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Recent Dispatches

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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 ·
Fire Investigation

The Fire Investigation Process: From Scene Documentation to Expert Testimony

A detailed overview of the fire investigation process from initial scene documentation through laboratory analysis to expert testimony in court.

By James Whitfield ·