CSE uses a systematic approach to the investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents. Using scientific and engineering principles, CSE is able to provide sound cause and origin determinations; offering a range of services including:
- Site investigations
- Performance-Based Fire Hazard and Code Equivalency Analyses
- Post fire accident reconstruction
- Fire modeling
- Fire testing
- Expert witness testimony
Site Investigations
CSE has Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators on staff to properly and efficiently process a scene. From the top of the line photography equipment used to the professional work relationships CSE has with officials throughout the county, CSE can conduct on-scene fire and explosion investigations in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Performance-Based Fire Hazard & Code Equivalency Analyses
CSE has the expertise and experience to provide both performance-based fire hazard and code equivalency analyses. The principles of fire dynamics are applied to possible fire scenarios while developing the technical requirements for providing effective protection measures. CSE’s extensive scope of considerations includes system failure analysis, hazard identification and fire scenario development, fire suppression/detection system actuation, and halon replacement options. Considerations for consequence analyses are made to include life safety, property loss, continuity of operations, and environmental effects.
Post Fire Accident Reconstruction
CSE has the resources for evidence removal and storage at our facility, in addition to evidence inspection collected from other site investigations.
Fire Modeling
CSE is involved in the development and use of a wide range of fire models including zone models (e.g. CFAST), field models (i.e. commercial CFD models and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Fire Dynamics Simulator), and specialized models for movement of smoke and other contaminants (e.g. CONTAM and ASET-B). CSE recognizes the importance of model verification and makes extensive use of in-house experimental results and existing literature data to verify the appropriateness and accuracy of its models. CSE’s vast knowledge of fire growth and development allows for proper interpretation of modeling results. A voluntary survey of the capabilities and availability of computer fire models has been conducted by CSE and the results, as well as an associated Journal of Fire Protection Engineering article are available at www.firemodelsurvery.com.
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Fire Testing
CSE has found added value in using both in-house and outside facilities to perform small and full-scale reenactments of fire scenarios. In-house fire testing includes investigating ignition and flame spread on both adult’s and children’s clothing, including children’s sleepwear. Past cooperation for full-scale scenarios include the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, allowing CSE to perform medium size tests, and the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center at New Mexico Tech, allowing CSE the use of its 32 square-mile facility.
Expert Witness Testimony
CSE generates comprehensive and understandable reports for our clients that are often used in courtroom settings.CSE employs a number of P.E engineers with testimony given in dozens of litigation cases.
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