Vehicle Fire Investigation courses
UK-AFI accredited CPD (20 hours)
FireWiseUK delivers the world renowned Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation courses, founded by Richard Dunbar in 2000 and now entering their 27th year! The ever popular courses are delivered worldwide, attracting delegates from many sectors - Fire Services, Law Enforcement, Crime Scene Investigators, Private sector Fire Investigators, Fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, Recovery agents and Insurance Assessors.
Our experienced delivery team includes experienced, practicing Fire Investigators, Certified Fire Investigators and Vehicle Examiners, with partners such as McKinlay-Davis Consultants, Harper Shaw Investigations, Leica Geosystems, Pro-Tech Academy, Bridgehill Vehicle Fire Blankets, Total Safety Solutions and OTFM, with research support from Cranfield University (in 2024 we conducted ballistic testing on Electric Vehicle Traction Batteries and forensic recovery of rounds!) and cross sector engagement with professional bodies such as NASVE and IAATI.
2027 VFI course dates:
27-29 April 2027
15-17 June 2027
7-9 September 2027
Our Vehicle Fire Investigation(VFI) courses cover:
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'vehicle fire science'
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vehicle fire investigation approach & processes
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vehicle identification
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Investigator safety
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practical 'skills workshops'
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pre & live vehicle burns
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practical scene & vehicle examinations
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preparing & presenting findings
with the practical elements accounting for 80% of the course.
Practical 'skills workshops' include:
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Physical examination of parts & components
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Testing vehicle systems - pressurised systems, electrics etc.
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Vehicle fluids and Hot Surface Ignition
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Vehicle Identification & information gathering
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Physical evidence recognition, preservation & recovery
A huge benefit of the course being delivered in a working insurance yard means
delegates get exposure to a wide range of vehicles, plant and machinery during the courses.
During the vehicle examinations delegates will:
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Maintain Investigator safety at all times
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Follow a methodical & systematic approach, quadranting the vehicle
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Observe, identify and interpret fire patterns and post fire indicators
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Consider fire development and intervention (extinguishment)
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Determine the compartment of origin, and the point of origin
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Explore & identify potential, viable ignition sources and fuels
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Gather and document vehicle history, information and evidence
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Form working hypotheses and discuss these
The first three or four practicals, each syndicate investigates a vehicle which was burnt the day before the course; during investigations delegates are encouraged to discuss their observations, question their findings and provide possible causes, points of origin and whether the incident was deliberate or accidental. Excavation, the observation and interpretation of post fire indicators and theories and hypotheses are discussed while the investigations are in progress, but also in the review stages.
Each syndicate will plan and then burn a vehicle, staging either an accidental or deliberate fire. This experience focusses the delegates to understand fire spread, ventilation with slow and quick fire development. Each syndicate needs to plan and implement the scenario and then witness the fire, which for many is the first time of seeing a ‘start to finish’ fire situation which in itself provides knowledge. Throughout all practicals, reviews, discussion and questioning take place in order that each delegate maximises the learning opportunity. It also gives delegates an opportunity to try various fire setting, dispose of some myths in order to give them the objective view capability for fire investigation.
Embracing how Electric Vehicles(EVs) can affect Vehicle Fire Investigation, we explore common causes of HV system fires and Traction Battery 'abnormal thermal events' and fires, show how Electric Vehicle fire behaviour and patterns differ to ICE vehicle fires, the added risks & hazards, enhanced competence requirement and Investigator safety.
With fire damaged HV components, battery packs, Hybrid (HEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) on site delegates get the opportunity to witness the emerging indicators of thermal events and fires involving EVs. Additionally 'EV fire' case studies provide an opportunity for tutors and delegates to share EV investigations that they have undertaken.
With an experienced facilitation team and cross sector delegates
much shared learning occurs throughout the courses,
with peer discussion around case studies, individuals sharing knowledge and areas of expertise, and discussions around emerging vehicle design and manufacture.
2027 VFI course dates:
27-29 April 2027
15-17 June 2027
7-9 September 2027
Brochures for our open courses:
Vehicle Fire Investigation course brochure
Booking Forms for our open courses:
Our courses can also delivered for individual clients, worldwide, please contact info@firewiseacadmey.co.uk