Engineering & Fire Investigation

We are successfully applying our diverse expertise to the area of failure & fire investigation. Our team includes a formally trained Ontario Fire Marshal engineer, trained Fire and Explosion investigators and engineers, ensuring our services are unmatched for in-depth knowledge and professionalism. Rochon Engineering Corporation is thriving in this field, having expertly handled hundreds of cases to date.

Fire Investigation

Rochon Engineering Corporation believes that the intricacy of structure, vehicle, and marine fire investigation demands an attitude of perseverance and adherence to the highest standard of scientific rigour. We endeavour to share this attitude with others in the field through our training seminars.

We maintain a comprehensive library of up-to-date codes and standards, including the CSA Standards, NFPA Codes & Standards, National Fire Codes, ULC Standards, the Ontario Building Code, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, all Canadian Acts and pursuant Regulations, and a plethora of product information concerning various appliances and products.  Up-to-date knowledge of various Codes, Standards, and Guidelines is fundamental when dealing with fire and explosion investigation and failure analysis.

Rochon Engineering Corporation owns a portable x-ray machine that is used to perform non-destructive testing of evidence both on-site, and at our secure evidence lock-up and laboratory facilities. X-ray analysis is crucial for the examination of electrical and gas components, especially when they have been encased in solidified plastics and other fire debris.

We also own all of the necessary equipment for manually sampling liquefied petroleum (LP) gases and natural gas liquid (NGL) products in accordance with ASTM D 1265 and the relevant CGSB standard.  Samples collected in this manner can be tested at a laboratory to determine if sufficient concentrations of odourant are present.  This type of analysis is important in the investigation of explosions (see last photo on right).

Our fire and explosion investigations are expertly conducted in accordance with the industry standard, the NFPA 921, "Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations".

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Securing the fire scene, including security personnel when required;

• Interviewing witnesses and fire fighters and recording all events;

• Diagramming and photographing the scene;

• Noting burn qualities and burn patterns;

• Noting arc patterns;

• Inspecting objects and substances near the point of fire origin;

• Collecting and preserving samples;

• Assessing compliance with Codes and Standards;

• Determining type and location of all building services;

• Analyzing laboratory test results;

• Evaluating computer fire models; and,

• Determining whether cause is incendiary or accidental.

Our professionals maintain voting memberships on Codes and Standards committees, including the Canadian Standards Association Steering Committee on Fire Safety and Fuel Burning Equipment. Our activity on these standards writing committees improves the quality of codes and standards while keeping our experts up-to-date.

Forensic Pledge of Principles in Forensic Consulting Engineering

In light of the highly technical and complex nature of engineering and fire investigation, as well as the serious effects of fires on property, individuals and the greater community, Rochon Engineering Corporation makes the following pledge of principles in forensic engineering:
 

To endeavour always to examine evidence without bias or prejudgment.

To cooperate with all concerned, including authorities and specialists, toward the ascertainment of true cause.

and,

To seek actively to improve the quality of  the field by sharing expertise, by following court decisions affecting investigators' access to the scene, as well as all significant technological developments.

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