Vehicle and Equipment Fire Origin and Cause

The investigation of vehicle and equipment fires and explosions requires specialized expertise, knowledge and training. Our investigators train continuously to stay abreast of the latest investigative techniques, testing and technology, in order to identify whether the incident resulted from operator error, a maintenance issue or a product failure.

We investigate dozens of fire / explosion incidents involving automobiles, pick-ups, SUVs and large equipment each year. We follow the evidence, and the facts and with over 25 years of combined experience almost exclusive to vehicle and equipment work, we can provide a high level of quality information about the vehicle and the incident.

With ongoing training to maintain up to date information and knowledge of automotive technology including gasoline, diesel and hybrid vehicles, we can provide a quality investigation with fact based conclusions concerning the latest technology.

Water loss evaluations

Plumbing installation errors and product failures result in significant property damage annually. Our master plumber and master gas fitter can examine the plumbing system of a premises and retain items of interest to determine the root cause of the failure.

-Evaluation of plumbing system design and failures
-Master Plumber / Master Gas Fitter
-Site plumbing evaluations
-Inadequate parts
-Component failures
-Product failure evaluations
-Appliance testing

Engineering Services

Electrical systems are involved in almost every part of our lives and this is ever increasing. Very seldom do incidents not involve electricity or electrical systems, equipment or devices in one way or another. They are often associated with the cause of failures, fires and explosions. We have the expertise, training and experience to determine the specific cause, whether it is electrical in nature, or not.

Professional engineer licensed in 10 states with almost 20 years of industry experience and an additional 10 years of forensic engineering experience involving:

-Engineering support of origin and cause investigations
-Structure and vehicle fires
-Lightning claim evaluations
-Product failure evaluations
-Electrocution/shock investigations
-Licensed in AL, AR, GA, FL, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN

Crash Data Retrieval

It is often necessary to identify and retrieve information from a vehicle that details pre-crash data. By accessing the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR), such data can be discovered. To explain, our investigators, Technician and Analyst Certified by the Collision and Safety Institute, download data from the Event Data Recorder using the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval system. The data is then presented in a formatted report, detailing objective readings from the vehicle moments before, and during, an incident. Recorded parameters are make and model specific, but usually include Vehicle Speed, Throttle Position, Breaking, Seat Belt Status, Air Bag Deployment.

Accident Scene Reconstruction

Generally used in accidents involving fatalities and/or personal injury, scene reconstruction can be an integral tool in establishing the circumstances of a particular event. A licensed reconstructionist and certified technicians work together to provide a detailed, pier reviewed, accurate investigation.

Vehicle fuel and oil sampling

Some losses involve suspected contamination of the fuel or oil systems of the vehicle. Our technicians can obtain fuel and/or oil samples per ASTM requirements and submit them to a lab for analysis.

Laboratory

700 sqft conditioned laboratory space with:
-Portable X-ray
-Stereo microscope
-Ultrasonic cleaner
-Vehicle lift
-2 large exam tables

Evidence Storage

14,000 sqft secure evidence storage:
-Indoor vehicle storage
-Safe lithium ion battery storage
-Burn cell scenario testing
-Large and small item evidence storage

Scott Crain PE, IAAI-CFI - President, Principal Engineer, Birmingham, AL

Scott spent 4 years in the Navy as an aviation electronics technician (avionics). He embarked on the millenium cruise onboard USS JFK, in 1999-2000, working live flight operations on the flight deck. After the Navy, he worked at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company while going to school to get his engineering degree. He then moved into engineering as an aircraft systems test engineer designing, troubleshooting, and performing live aircraft testing of fifth generation fighter aircraft, among other legacy aircraft platforms.

He began working with Crain & Associates in 2016 as a forensic electrical engineer. He has his PE license in 10 states, including AL, MS, GA, TN, and FL, and has his IAAI-CFI certification. He has provided engineering support for hundreds of structure and vehicle fires. He also performs investigations and electrical evaluations involving product failures and lightning claims.

Adam Bomar, IAAI CFI(V) NAFI-CFEI - Partner, Operations Manager, Trussville, AL

Adam Bomar has been with Crain & Associates, Inc. since 2022 and is the Chief Operating Officer for the company. Adam began his fire investigation career with R.W. Pullen Consulting LLC in 2012 prior to forming and owning Complete Fire Investigation Services LLC. Adam has conducted and been a part of over 1,750 fire investigations and has qualified as an expert witness in civil and criminal court proceedings.

Additionally, Adam is a Fire Battalion Chief and Shift Commander with the Mountain Brook Fire Department in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to being a Battalion Chief, Adam served the department as a Fire Lieutenant and Deputy Fire Marshal. Adam has served as the lead fire investigator for the Mountain Brook Fire Department since 2018.

Adam holds a master’s degree in emergency services management with a concentration in Homeland Security from Columbia Southern University. Adam also holds a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from the University of Memphis with a minor in Public Administration. Adam holds numerous certifications from the Alabama Fire College such as: Fire Instructor I & 2, Fire Officer I & 2, Fire Inspector I & 2 and Fire Investigator 1 & 2. He holds a certification as a Fire Inspector II through the International Code Council.

Adam is an active member of the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators and has served on its Board of Directors. Adam is certified by the International Association of Arson Investigators as a Certified Fire Investigator (with a vehicle endorsement), as well as a Fire Investigation Technician. Lastly, Adam is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Vehicle Fire Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators.

David Cantrell, IAAI CFI(V) NAFI-CFEI - Senior Fire Investigator, Hackleburg, AL

David E. Cantrell is a seasoned fire forensics consultant and investigator with over 28 years of progressive experience in the fire service industry and 20 years in agriculture. David specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions, providing expert guidance to owners, insurance carriers, attorneys, and liability providers across the United States. His investigations span a wide range of incidents, including vehicles, single- and multi-family residential structures, commercial and industrial facilities, agricultural properties, machinery, and heavy equipment. With a particular expertise in poultry production, David has conducted investigations in 48 states, delivering reliable insights that support subrogation, litigation, and risk mitigation.

Chesley Crain FIT, ECT - CDR Technician, Warehouse manager, Pell City, AL

Chesley holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Montevallo. He has worked for Crain & Associates since 2008. He has his IAAI Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) certification and IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) certification. He has participated in nearly 1,000 fire investigations and numerous contents inventory scene sifts and CDR downloads.

Keith Czeskleba - CDR Analyst, Accident Reconstructionist, Birmingham, AL

Keith Czeskleba has over 20 years of experience investigating traffic crashes in both the public and private sector. He is certified as a Traffic Crash Reconstructionist and as a Crash Data Retrieval Analyst. Keith has testified as an expert witness in both state and federal court in both civil and criminal cases. Keith also serves as the Operations Bureau Commander for the Hoover Police Department where he oversees the patrol and traffic divisions.

Morgan Fuller, IAAI-CFI(V) NAFI-CFEI(V) - Senior Fire Investigator, CDR Analyst, Alabaster, AL

Morgan Fuller started his career as a firefighter with the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service and retired after 21 years of service. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the City of Birmingham Arson Task Force. After retiring, he went to work for the Alabaster Fire Department where he is currently the Fire Marshal. Morgan has over 25 years of fire service experience. He started in the private fire investigative industry with Crain & Associates, Inc. in 2001 and is currently a Senior Investigator. He has investigated over 6,000 fires in his career. Morgan understands the law enforcement, fire suppression and private sector of fire investigations and motor vehicle accidents. Morgan has testified in numerous cases including criminal and subrogation cases.

Alex Jessen, IAAI-CFI NAFI-CFEI - Associate Fire Investigator, Trussville, AL

Alex Jessen began his career with Crain & Associates in 2021, specializing in residential and commercial origin and cause investigations. Alex began his fire service career in 2013 as a firefighter/paramedic with the Forestdale Fire District and began his career in fire investigations with Complete Fire Investigation Services in 2015. Alex was hired with the Mountain Brook Fire Department in 2014 and has held the positions of firefi ghter/paramedic, apparatus operator, and currently as a Lieutenant on an ALS engine. He also holds the position of fire investigator/inspector with the Mountain Brook Fire Department. Alex got his NAFI-CFEI in 2019, and his IAAI-CFI in 2021. Alex is a Christ follower and puts faith and family first. He also enjoys playing golf, and anything outdoors.

Lynn Kitchings - Office Manager, Pell City, AL

Lynn Kitchings has been a dedicated employee with Crain & Associates since 2004. She holds a BS degree from the University of Alabama. She has extensive knowledge in bookkeeping, payroll, report evaluation and administrative support. She is responsible for the overall office operations, has a strong attention to detail, and she ensures that the workplace runs smoothly and efficiently.

Kevin Norred, IAAI-CFI(V), NAFI-CFEI - Fire Investigator, Lagrange, GA

Kevin is a Certified Firefighter/EMT-I and a Georgia Certified Peace Officer. He has over 32 years of experience involving fires and explosions and has investigated the origin and cause of over 750 fires in 6 states involving industrial, commercial, and residential fires; as well as vehicle and heavy equipment fires and explosions. He has collected and preserved evidence, interviewed witnesses, provided consultation and testified in both criminal and civil courts since 2002. He is a licensed as a Private Investigator in Georgia & Alabama, and has provided consulting services to insurance professionals across the Southeast for more than 17 years.

Wes Pullen, IAAI-CFI - Senior Fire Investigator, Mentone, AL

Wes Pullen was hired by the Mountain Brook Fire Department in June of 1989 as a fire fighter/paramedic after serving in various Public Safety Jobs since high school. He received his paramedic license in June of 1977 and worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Jefferson County, Alabama from 1980 to 1987. He was promoted to Lieutenant in January of 1998 and as part of his new duties, attended Fire Investigation training in 1999 through the Alabama Fire College and the National Fire Academy.

He was hired as a part time fire investigator in 1999 at Pyrtech Inc, and worked there until opening in own fire investigation firm in 2012. In 2014 he formed a partnership with Adam Bomar, as Complete Fire Investigation Services. In 2022 CFIS merged with Crain and Associates, and he assumed a part-time position of fire investigator. He retired from Mountain Brook in January of 2014. In 2022, he became the lead investigator with the Dekalb County (Alabama) Association of Fire Departments Fire Investigation Task Force. He has performed nearly 2000 documented fire investigations, and testified in State and Federal Courts. He has served two terms as President of the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators and as a state representative to the International Association of Arson Investigators and is an IAAI Expert Witness Testimony Facilitator. He has an Associates Degree in Biomedical Electronics from the Alabama College of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He holds a general class Amatuer Radio License.

Tommy Bryan (TB) Smith, IAAI-CFI - Fire Investigator, Loxley, AL

Mr. Smith is a Fire Service District Chief with the City of Mobile Fire Rescue Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. He attended the University of South Alabama and received his paramedic certification in 1987. He also received his license as a nationally registered Radiological Technologist in 1984 after attending the Mobile Infirmary School of Radiologic Technology.

Mr. Smith has worked with the Mobile Fire Rescue Department for over 36 years and has been a District Chief since 2014, during which time he led the Bureau of Fire Prevention. He holds numerous industry-specific certifications that demonstrate his extensive experience and knowledge, and has conducted over 600 fire investigations throughout his career.

For the last eighteen years, Mr. Smith has served on the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators’ Board of Directors. As an APOST-certified law enforcement officer, he served as the Senior Fire Investigator for the Mobile Fire Marshals' Office, where he was instrumental in many state and federal arson investigations. Having worked as a law enforcement officer with other municipal departments, a partnership was forged with the BATF in Mobile, and contributed to the federal prosecution of intentionally set fires in the city.Mr. Smith is active in his church and community and mentors others as they pursue their dreams.

Robert Terrell, IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI - Fire Investigator, Albertville, AL

Robert Terrell has over four decades of experience in the fire profession, including 31 years of specialization in fire investigations in both the public and private sectors. Licensed in both Alabama and Georgia, he has conducted approximately 1500 residential, commercial, and vehicle fire investigations and has provided expert testimony before grand juries and in criminal court. Robert is a Certified Law Enforcement Officer, and holds an Emergency Medical Technician License.

Outside of his professional career, Robert has been married to his wife, Scarlet, for 38 years. Together they enjoy traveling, camping, and embracing the joys of semi-retirement. He also treasures time with their son, Brandon—whether working on projects, enjoying the outdoors, or simply spending time together.

Kevin Wilson, IAAI-CFI, Master Plumber/Gas Fitter - Fire Investigator, Forensic Plumbing Expert, Springville, AL

Mr. Wilson has more than 27 years as a plumber/gas fitter. He also has 26 years as a professional firefighter. Right out of high school he took a summer job as a plumber’s helper, and this later became a career. Shortly after working as a plumber’s helper, he realized he wanted to take after his father and become a fire fighter. After achieving this goal, he continued plumbing as a second job with the fire department being his primary.

His 27 years of plumbing consisted of new construction, commercial, industrial and service work. His knowledge in all areas of plumbing has made him an expert in his field. Mr. Wilson’s 26 years as a firefighter has also made him a good fire investigator technician. His long and continued career as a firefighter has given him the experience in reading smoke and understanding fire behavior. He has investigated hundreds of structure fire losses and hundreds of plumbing losses.