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

Safety Tips to Avoid Accidental Fires

Practical fire prevention tips for homeowners, including unplugging unused appliances, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and reducing household clutter.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·
Fire Investigation

Commercial Structure Fires: Investigation Methods for Warehouses and Industrial Buildings

Explore how fire investigators approach commercial structure fires in warehouses and industrial buildings, including unique hazards and evidence challenges.

By James Whitfield ·
Fire Safety

Top 5 Causes of House Fires

The five most common causes of house fires in the United States, including cooking accidents, heating appliances, faulty wiring, smoking, and candles.

By Midwest Fire Investigation Staff ·
Insurance Claims

Subrogation in Fire Cases: How Insurers Recover Losses After a Fire

Learn how insurance subrogation works in fire cases, why evidence preservation matters, and what the process means for policyholders and third parties.

By James Whitfield ·