The McMullen Company

Fire Origin, Cause & Arson Investigation Experts

The McMullen Company provides forensic investigation and expert witness services involving fire origin, cause, spread, explosions, suspected arson, and physical evidence.
Our fire experts assist plaintiffs and defendants, attorneys, insurers, government agencies, businesses, and property owners throughout California, across North America, and internationally.

Forensic Fire Investigation Services

A fire investigation requires more than identifying the area where a fire may have started. Investigators must evaluate the available physical evidence, witness information, fire patterns, potential ignition sources, building conditions, fire-protection features, and the circumstances that influenced fire development and spread.
The McMullen Company provides independent analysis involving:

Fire Origin, Cause & Spread Analysis

Our experts evaluate the available evidence to determine where a fire originated, identify potential ignition sources, assess possible causes, and analyze how the fire developed and spread.
Depending on the assignment, the investigation may include:
Our opinions are based on the evidence available, applicable investigative standards, and the facts of the individual matter.
Arson and Incendiary Fire Investigation
When a fire is suspected of being intentionally set, our experts evaluate the physical evidence and investigative record to determine whether the available information supports an incendiary-fire classification.
Arson-related services may include:
The existence of unusual fire damage, multiple areas of damage, or other potentially suspicious circumstances does not by itself establish arson. Each conclusion must be evaluated in the context of the complete body of evidence.
[VIDEO: Arson Investigation Expert Discusses the Six Signs of Arson]
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Investigation
Lithium-ion battery failures can involve rapid heat generation, thermal runaway, fire, explosion, and the ignition of nearby combustible materials.
The McMullen Company evaluates fires involving:
These investigations may include evaluating charging conditions, equipment compatibility, product condition, installation, storage, maintenance, thermal damage, potential manufacturing or product defects, and the sequence of fire development.
Evidence Preservation and Evaluation
Evidence may be altered, damaged, discarded, repaired, or removed following a fire. Prompt identification and preservation can be essential to a reliable investigation.
Our services may include:
When litigation is anticipated, evidence inspections should be coordinated with counsel and all appropriate parties.
Fire Spread and Code-Related Conditions
Fire origin and fire spread are related but distinct questions. Even when an ignition source can be identified, additional conditions may have affected the speed, direction, or extent of fire spread.
Our experts can evaluate:
The McMullen Company maintains an extensive collection of current and historical fire and building codes, model codes, regulations, and standards. This allows our experts to evaluate requirements that may have been in effect when a building was constructed, altered, occupied, or involved in a fire.
For broader code matters, visit our Fire & Building Code Consulting service page.
Expert Witness and Litigation Support
The McMullen Company provides fire investigation and litigation-support services from initial case evaluation through deposition and trial.
Our services include:
We accept assignments from both plaintiffs and defendants and provide independent opinions based on the available evidence and applicable professional standards.
Discuss a Fire Investigation
Contact The McMullen Company to discuss a fire origin, cause, spread, explosion, suspected arson, lithium-ion battery fire, evidence, or expert witness matter.
Telephone and 24/7 inquiries: (530) 757-1291
Email: [email protected]
Consultations are available by telephone, video conference, and email.