National Fire Experts (NFE), a part of Alpine Intel, provides actionable intelligence to residential, commercial, industrial, vehicle, marine vessel, and specialty equipment fires with the highest degree of accuracy, consistency, and professionalism.
Our experts adhere to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) guidelines and are qualified to analyze any fire scene.
Fire Investigations
In addition to adherence to the guidelines established by NFPA 921, determining the origin and cause of a fire requires a systematic approach in accordance with the scientific method and painstaking collection and analysis of evidence. An experienced NFE Certified Fire Investigator completes an inspection and determines the cause of the fire without bias.
Once the onsite investigation is complete, our certified fire investigator will provide a verbal briefing with the preliminary findings following the inspection.
Upon request, NFE can provide a standard or comprehensive origin and cause report, depending on client needs and the scope and complexity of the scene. Both technically reviewed report types include an executive summary that provides claim details, property information, origin and cause details, and information reported by the policyholder. Should further investigation be required to determine the cause of the fire, our reports deliver the most plausible scenarios and recommended next steps.
Fires Scenes
The NFE team keeps the scientific method at the forefront of assignments for structures of all kinds and sizes to deliver the origin and cause of the fire:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
We have experience with investigating fires in homes of any size, apartment complexes, restaurants, businesses of all kinds, factories, and more. Each of our certified fire investigators is equipped with 3D imaging technology to digitally capture and preserve the fire scene.
Vehicle / Marine Vessel / Specialty Equipment
We can perform fire investigations on a vehicle or piece of equipment that has an engine, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, electric vehicle batteries, boats, farm equipment, and heavy equipment.
Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Our Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) inspect and research fire suppression systems, alarm systems, hazardous materials storage areas, and fire/life safety codes to help assess how these systems may have prevented or failed to prevent the spread of fire in a structure. They’re also familiar with federal, state, and local fire and life safety codes.
3D Scanning
NFE certified fire investigators utilize 3D imaging technology to allow clients the ability to virtually explore fire scenes. A 3D interactive scan is provided on each fire scene (where possible) and provided to our client at no additional cost. This technology helps clients assess damages, verify personal property items reported, gain a deeper understanding of the findings in their reports, and preserve evidence for potential litigation when applicable.
3D scanning technology creates detailed scans that provide a virtual overview of the fire scene, allowing insurance professionals to safely and thoroughly assess the site after the investigation. Adjusters can use these scans to evaluate damages and verify personal property items, including specifics like the make and model. By referencing 3D scans alongside a fire investigator’s report, insurance and legal professionals can gain a clearer understanding of key findings. Additionally, 3D scans offer an unaltered view of the affected property, which can serve as critical evidence in litigation or subrogation proceedings. With a 3D scan, investigators and stakeholders can virtually revisit the loss site, even if it has been repaired or destroyed.
Engineering Support
As part of the Alpine Intel Suite of Services, NFE certified fire investigators can call on Donan Engineering for engineering support or Component Testing Laboratories (CTL) for study and testing.
Pre-Inspection Consultation
Receive prompt expert advice on your claim without initial commitment to a full, onsite fire investigation. Our seasoned investigators will assess your case alongside you, outlining optimal strategies for moving forward.
