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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 method in fire investigation—especially when the ignition source is gone and the pressure to “have an answer” is high. We dig into affirmative evidence vs. negative corpus, why timelines can be some of the strongest support for (or against) a hypothesis, and the danger zone of assumptions sneaking into your data when you’re convinced you already know what happened. Keith shares how his wildland experience evolved from frustration with wiped-out origins to building better training and getting involved in peer-reviewed wildland fire pattern research, including collaboration and mentorship from Dr. Vito Babrauskas. If you’ve ever wondered how confident we can be in wildland indicators under extreme conditions (wind, dry fuels, high intensity), or how wildland O&C is still maturing the way structure investigation did pre-NFPA 921, this one’s for you. Plus: conference updates, what we’re teaching next, how to get involved with IAAI as a student, and the return of “Can you use it in a sentence?” with a practical definition challenge to sharpen your investigator brain.

• National Wildland Fire Conference — April 24–26, 2026 — Oceanside (North County San Diego), California
• IAAI ITC (International Training Conference) — April 27–May 1, 2026
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 — Marietta (Cobb), Georgia
• Alabama Chapter FREE Spring Training — April 7, 2026 — Decatur, Alabama
• Montana IAAI Annual Training Conference — May 12–14, 2026 — Billings, Montana

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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 roles of shift investigators, who handle origin and cause, evidence collection, and witness interviews at active scenes, and day-shift investigators, who manage follow-ups, warrants, law enforcement coordination, and case preparation for prosecution. The team discusses how having two investigators on scene helps reduce bias and strengthen findings, the importance of building relationships with partner agencies, and how persistence and collaboration support long-term arson investigations. The episode closes with practical advice for solo investigators on capturing perishable information, staying disciplined with the scientific method, and communicating technical concepts clearly in court.

Upcoming Trainings & Dates:

• New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, NM)
• California Conference of Arson Investigators Training Seminar — February 23–26, 2026 (CA)
• Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College) — March 9–13, 2026 (San Diego, CA)
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Marietta, GA)
• Alabama Spring Training (Free) — April 7, 2026 (Decatur, AL)
• IAAI International Training Conference (ITC) — April 26–30, 2026 (St. Louis, MO)

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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.

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Instagram: @infocusfire_podcast
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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 sharp comparison between the U.S. approach to fire investigation standards and the UK’s “Code of Practice” concept, which reads more like “you shall” than “you should.” From there, Lauren breaks down what attorneys actually lean on when challenging an expert: your credentials, your investigation, and what you didn’t do—and why being “qualified” under NFPA 1033 isn’t the same thing as being “certified,” even though juries may treat it that way. The crew also digs into why continuing education matters (even more than years on the job), how peer review can sharpen investigators fast, and why programs like the Science Advisory Workgroup (“SAW group”) are a game-changer for improving report quality and courtroom readiness.

You’ll also hear highlights from a SAW group showcase in Oregon—where investigators presented cases, the audience got reports via QR code to follow along, and the panel asked the kind of questions that feel a lot like trial pressure (but with a learning-first vibe). The conversation closes with Lauren’s practical courtroom advice: don’t downplay your experience, tell your story clearly (especially for juries), and for the love of the transcript—slow down so the court reporter can keep up. Plus, the episode drops quick industry updates (“WTF We Train Frequently”), sponsor chatter, and ends on a nerdy teaser: what’s the difference between a chromatograph and a chromatogram—and why fire investigators should actually know.

• Kansas Annual Conference (WTF We Train Frequently) — February 3–5, 2026 (Wichita, Kansas)
• IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) — Local/Orange County — February 20, 2026 (Irvine, California; Orange County Fire Authority HQ)
• California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Annual Training — February 23–26, 2026 (California)
• New Mexico Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Cobb, Georgia)

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: @infocusfire_podcast
LinkedIn: INFOCUS podcast
Facebook: INFOCUS podcast
TikTok: @infocus_podcast