From January to March 2025, our fire & explosions experts will be hosting a new series of webinars. This series will cover a range of fire-related topics, including fires caused by self-heating, lithium-ion batteries and the illicit cultivation of cannabis.
For more information on each webinar and to register, please see below.
Part 1: The Myth of Spontaneous Human Combustion & The Science of Self-Heating
Presented by Dr Andrew Moncrieff
Thursday 9th January 2025 at 9.30am GMT
Self-heating and spontaneous combustion are among the most perplexing and enigmatic aspects of fire investigation.
Andrew will look at the age‑old idea of spontaneous human combustion, and explore the reasons why a human body might suddenly burst into flames with no outside influences. He will also give wider consideration to self-heating and spontaneous combustion, concentrating on the aspects most relevant to insurance losses.
Part 2: Factors Affecting Self-Heating & Self-Heating Ignition
Presented by Martin Pope
Thursday 23rd January 2025 at 9.30am GMT
Continuing the topic of self-heating, Martin provides an opportunity for the audience to consider the factors that affect self-heating processes.
He will share details from real cases and discuss how science provides clues into this fascinating subject, including how different processes can lead to devastating fires in commercial laundries, domestic tumble dryers and hay barns.
Major Loss Fires
Navigating an Extensive Body of Evidence to Present a Clear Picture
Presented by Richard Fletcher
Thursday 6th February 2025 at 9.30am GMT
The definition of a ‘major loss’ is predominately premised on the value of the loss, but this means it can encompass anything from a large domestic fire to multimillion-pound industrial losses.
However, from the perspective of an investigator, a defining factor of ‘serious’ or major losses is a large scene and an expectation there will be a significantly larger volume of evidence and information to gather, review, classify and ultimately present to the insurer, Counsel and potentially a Court.
Richard will discuss a case study on the investigation into the cause of a major loss fire several years ago. The extensive building was severely damaged, and a significant portion had collapsed. It became clear that to achieve the first aim, identifying the origin, would rely upon multiple witnesses. This presented the question, “Could the witness evidence be presented in a way to mitigate the possibility of any ambiguity in the accounts provided, without directly or indirectly influencing that evidence?”
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: A Forensic Insight
Presented by Richard Heath
Thursday 20th February 2025 at 9.30am GMT
Batteries have become ubiquitous in our everyday life, from the vehicles we drive to the personal devices we carry everywhere.
Rechargeable ‘lithium-ion’ batteries, not to be confused with non-rechargeable (‘primary’) lithium metal batteries are one of the most commonly used rechargeable battery technologies but with this increase in use in everyday appliances, Hawkins has also seen an increase in fire-related incidents.
Richard will explain the science behind these incidents, the techniques used to mitigate the risks, and how modern forensic investigation techniques can shed light on the causes of battery failures. He will also include a review of the problems that everyday consumers face regarding lithium-ion batteries and discuss the challenges an investigator might encounter when conducting such forensic investigations.
Illicit Cultivation & Processing of Cannabis
… And The Many Ways That it Can Cause Fires
Presented by Ian Tatner
Thursday 6th March 2025 at 9.30am GMT
Ian will discuss methods used during the illicit cultivation of cannabis plants and subsequent processing of the crop, and how such activities can lead to danger to life and extensive property damage. Ian will also review common methods of cannabis consumption and comment on the ignition propensity of cannabis cigarettes.
The Forensic Examination of Photovoltaic Systems
Presented by Nick Carey
Thursday 20th March 2025 at 9.30am GMT
The detailed forensic examination of fire scenes, or fire damaged equipment in the laboratory, is critical when considering causation and gathering evidence from such scenes in relation to insurance investigations. In particular, there are also a number of safety issues when examining fire damaged photovoltaic (PV) systems, on-site at fire scenes, (i.e. electric shocks, electrocution).
Join Nick as he explains the basics of photovoltaic installations, the electrical safety risks of fires scenes involving them, and typical faults/damage which can lead to fires or other failures.
We look forward to presenting for you.
