Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast

<p>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.</p>

S.2 Ep.19- Passing the Torch: Past President Tim Morris Jr. & President Brad Pierson on Leading Illinois IAAI

Send us a text In this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens recap a high-energy week teaching “AI for Fire Investigators” with the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators in Peoria—what they changed from earlier classes, why transparent prompting and hands-on tools boosted engagement, and how they’ll evolve live demos next time. They unpack a standout burn-cell scenario where a clean-burn sat feet away from the true area of origin, using it to highlight ho...

09-24
59:03

S.2 Ep.18- Breaking down Fire Patterns with Case Studies.

Send us a text Welcome back to Fire Investigation in Focus! In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the world of fire patterns, fire effects, and origin determination, bringing both practical field experience and NFPA 921 insights straight to your headphones. We kick things off by introducing Ember Casts—shorter, 10–20 minute mini-episodes designed to drop in between full shows, offering a “little ember of knowledge, big flames of understanding.” These quick hits...

09-10
01:11:23

S.2 Ep.17- NFPA 921 & 1033 Upcoming Updates: What Investigators Need to Know for 2027

Send us a text Episode 17 – Fire Investigation in Focus Podcast In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens return to the studio to dive into some of the most important updates shaping the fire investigation field. From the realities of starting a new business in the industry to the growing role of education and advanced certifications, Scott and Chasity share real experiences and advice that every investigator—new or seasoned—can learn from. They highlight exciting developments s...

08-27
40:14

S.2 Ep.16- Back in The Studio: Catch up with us on Fire Investigation Stories, AI Tools, and Generational Games.

Send us a text Welcome back! In this episode our hosts return to recording live episodes together! Chasity kicks things off with exciting news about launching her own fire investigation company and shares stories from her incredibly busy first week, including four fires and some impressive networking at joint examinations. She takes us through fascinating cases, from a kitchen fire caused by cloth items accidentally left in a broiler to a massive carport fire involving 20 vehicles that initia...

08-13
01:03:09

S2 Ep15- The Body Tells a Story w/ Fire Fatality Expert Elayne Pope- Fire Fatality Investigation Tips and Research

Send us a text Welcome to another exciting live episode from the IAAI-ITC 2025 conference in Atlantic City! Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring you their final live recording from the conference, featuring an incredible interview with renowned fire fatality expert Elayne Pope. If you've ever wondered what happens to the human body during a fire, this episode is essential listening. Elayne Pope, one of the foremost experts in fire fatalities, shares her fascinating journey from a...

07-30
01:03:47

S2 Ep14- Depth of Calcination & Tomorrow's Fire Experts: EKU Student Research Spotlight with Molly Morrow & Maggie Fluharty (live from IAAI-ITC)

Send us a text Live from IAAI-ITC with Fire Investigation Students Molly Morrow and Maggie Fluharty. Scott and Chasity return to in-person recording after their busy 4th of July weekend, diving into an engaging conversation about AI-generated images and Scott's impressive new wildland fire investigation app. The hosts share their experiences identifying fake AI content and discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in media. Scott reveals his exciting project - a custom a...

07-16
57:14

S.2 Ep.13- Spontaneous Combustion ft. Dr. Doug Byron (live from IAAI-ITC)

Send us a text Get ready for a mind-blowing deep dive into the science of spontaneous combustion! Scott and Chastity catch up on their busy schedules, with Scott fresh from teaching at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno where students bond over four intensive weeks of training. The hosts discuss recent marine fire investigation training and upcoming wildland classes before diving into the main event. The Doug Byron Interview: Spontaneous Combustion Masterclass The real star of this...

07-02
01:10:28

S.2 Ep.12- Live from IAAI-ITC: Guatemala's Only Fire Investigator, and Two Guest Listeners

Send us a text In this compelling episode, host Chasity Owens delivers a solo intro while Scott Kuhlman attends Marine Fire Investigation training through IAAI. This special episode features inspiring stories from Guatemala and engaging conversations with dedicated podcast listeners, showcasing the global reach and impact of fire investigation. Key Highlights Breaking Ground in Guatemala: Gretel's remarkable story of becoming Guatemala's first and only certified fire investigator after starti...

06-18
47:13

S.2 Ep.11- IAAI Certification Importance and Updates with Rick & Cassie Jones; ECT, CFI, & more.

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens deliver another compelling installment from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training conference. Recording remotely while Scott teaches at the Fire Investigator Academy in Fresno, the duo presents an illuminating conversation with Rick and Cassandra Jones, two passionate advocates for fire investigation certification and training excellence. Rick Jones shares his journey from law enforcement cani...

06-04
53:34

S2 Ep10- Building Confidence in Court: What is a SAW Group And Why Everyone Needs one? ft. Deputy Attorney General Lauren Guber, Fire Investigator Brian Fine, and Dr. Elizabeth Buck,

Send us a text In this episode, Scott and Chasity reunite in-studio after several remote recordings to discuss their recent activities and introduce a special panel discussion about the Scientific Advisory Work Group (SAW). Scott shares his excitement about getting accepted into OSU for a master's program, while the hosts debate the value of continuing education in fire investigation. They emphasize the importance of bachelor's degrees for investigators before diving into the main interview s...

05-21
01:17:41

S2 Ep.9- iGuide 3D Camera, Efficient Fire Investigation Documentation w/ Kayla Theriot

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens catch up before diving into an interview with Kayla Theriot who is in Business Development for iGuide, a 3D camera solution company. Scott, teaching in San Diego while Chasity holds down the fort in Orange County, discusses how they're experimenting with remote recording to maintain their signature dynamic intro style. The hosts tease their excitement about iGuide's technology and its applications in fire investigation befo...

05-07
47:49

S2 Ep.8- Past, Present & Future with Current & Past President's of IAAI

Send us a text In this live episode, Scott opens the show solo from San Diego where he's instructing a 40-hour basic origin and cause class, while Chasity is held up at home with the flu. Scott extends a heartfelt thank you to conference attendees who shared feedback and listening habits, with many enjoying the podcast during workouts, commutes, or before calls. He encourages listeners to get involved with their local IAAI chapters to accelerate their learning curves through networking with e...

04-23
45:54

S2. Ep.7- Bridging the Gap: Mentorship, Networking, & Getting Involved at IAAI

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens record live from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Training Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With nearly 900 attendees at the conference, the hosts discuss the value of networking and the exciting atmosphere of the event, intentionally keeping background noise to give listeners the authentic conference experience. Scott and Chasity begin by emphasizing the importance of...

04-10
01:02:39

S2 Ep.6- Evidence Collection Tools, Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, & Generational Gaps.

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into several hot topics in fire investigation. They begin with a lighthearted generational gap test comparing lyrics to "Blame It On..." across different age groups, before transitioning to important professional content. The hosts discuss upcoming classes at the International Training Conference (ITC) in New Jersey, highlighting courses on AI in fire investigations, lithium-ion batteries, and forensic evidence process...

03-27
57:50

Episode 25! "Not Real" Guests, Unbiased Opinion, & Vehicle Fires.

Send us a text In this milestone 25th episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens kick off their celebration with special AI celebrity "appearances" from Donald Trump, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kim Kardashian, and Joe Rogan to commemorate reaching this landmark. The podcast has surged in popularity, amassing over 13,000 downloads—a remarkable 30% increase in just 45 days—and approaching 100 five-star ratings on Apple Podcasts. Scott recaps highlights from the CCAI conference, highlighting Kei...

03-12
53:01

S.2 Ep.4- Origin Stories with Dr. Greg Gorbett: Evolution of Fire Investigation, New/Old Research, & Advancing Forward.

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens bring on a special guest - Dr. Gregory Gorbett, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CFPS, CFII, CVFI, Senior Fire Analyst/Co-Owner of Fire Dynamics Analysis, and one of Chasity's former professors from Eastern Kentucky University's renowned fire program. Recording from the California Conference of Arson Investigators February Seminar, the trio dives deep into the world of fire investigation with plenty of expert insights and good-natured bante...

02-27
01:07:24

S.2 Ep.3- The Importance of Public & Private Investigator Dynamic, Exiting Immediately During A Fire, & Training

Send us a text In this lively episode of the podcast, Scott and Chasity kick things off by showing their new merch from American Fire Brigade, known for their popular fire service merchandise and memorable memes that helped firefighters cope during COVID-19. (@americanfirebrigade). The duo shares personal stories about fire service culture, including a fascinating discussion about "coffee table culture" - the unique morning ritual where firefighters gather to exchange information and engage i...

02-12
01:12:51

S.2 Ep. 2- The Importance of Asking Questions, the Disneyland Firefighter, & Indistinct Chatter with AI

Send us a text In this episode, hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive into a fascinating mix of technical insights and emerging trends in fire investigation. The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion about the importance of asking the right questions during investigations, as Chasity shares a recent case involving a concealed space fire where strategic questioning revealed crucial information about recent plumbing work. The hosts also explore the often misunderstood relationship...

01-29
01:08:47

S2 Ep.1- Discussing Wildfire Investigations, International Snacks, & Conspiracies

Send us a text INFOCUS Podcast kicks off Season 2 with an explosive episode covering the devastating Santa Ana wind-driven fires affecting Southern California. Hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens dive deep into the current situation, with Scott sharing his recent appearance on NPR discussing the fires, while Chasity's TikTok video addressing fire speculation goes viral with over 170,000 views. The episode provides fascinating insights into wildland fire behavior, addressing common misconcep...

01-15
57:09

EmberCast 1 - Mapping the Future of Wildland Fire Investigation ft. Founder & CEO of EchoSpectra, Jesse Sprague

Send us a text Welcome to the very first EmberCast, a new short-form addition to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS Podcast. These mini-episodes are designed to spark curiosity and deliver timely insights in between our full episodes. In this kickoff EmberCast, Chasity and Scott are joined by Jesse Sprague, founder of Echo Spectra, to talk about an innovative new tool for wildfire investigation. Jesse shares how his background in geology, computer science, and mapping led him to develop a free mo...

09-04
20:45

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