MEET KIRK LUMAYE
Kirk LuMaye, PE
Mechanical Forensic Engineer & Fire Investigator
Kirk LuMaye is a Sacramento-based licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer and certified fire investigator with more than a decade of experience investigating fires, water losses, mechanical failures, and other property-loss matters.
His work includes scene investigations, evidence and component examinations, testing, engineering analysis, technical reporting, and expert witness support for insurance carriers, attorneys, subrogation professionals, manufacturers, businesses, and property owners.
Licensed Professional Engineer — CA, AZ, NV, OR & WA
Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
More Than a Decade of Forensic Engineering Experience
Kirk has more than a decade of forensic engineering and insurance-loss investigation experience involving residential, commercial, automotive, appliance, and equipment-related losses.
With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, he applies engineering principles to questions involving how products, components, and mechanical systems operate, fail, and contribute to property damage.
His investigations may involve documentation of loss scenes, examination of mechanical and electrical components, evaluation of potential ignition or failure mechanisms, evidence preservation, joint examinations, laboratory testing, review of technical documentation, and preparation of engineering reports.
The objective of each investigation is the same: evaluate the available evidence objectively, consider reasonable alternative explanations, and clearly explain what the evidence does—and does not—support.
CORE EXPERIENCE
Structure and vehicle fire origin and cause
Plumbing, appliances, HVAC and related systems
Components, systems and product performance
Reports, Depositions & Testimony
Engineering reporting and expert support
INVESTIGATIVE SPECIALTIES
Areas of Expertise
Fire & Explosion / Vehicle Fire Investigation
Origin and cause investigations involving structures, vehicles, equipment, and other fire losses
Water Loss / Mechanical Failure Analysis
Investigation of plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and mechanical system failures.
Appliance Testing / Equipment Investigation
Examination and testing of appliances and equipment to identify failure mechanisms.
EDUCATION, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Credentials You Can Rely On
Licensed Professional Engineer
Licensed in CA, AZ, NV, OR & WA
Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
National Association of Fire Investigators
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
National Association of Fire Investigators
Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Sacramento
FORENSIC & LITIGATION EXPERIENCE
Litigation & Expert Support
Kirk's forensic work includes investigations performed in connection with insurance claims, subrogation matters, litigation, and other disputed technical issues.
Assignments may involve:
Scene inspections
Evidence preservation
Testing and evaluation
Engineering analysis
Technical reporting
Deposition support
Expert testimony
Technical findings are communicated in straightforward terms while identifying relevant limitations, unresolved questions, and the evidence supporting the conclusions.
SERVICE AREA
Serving California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon & Washington
Kirk is licensed as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington and accepts forensic engineering and fire investigation assignments throughout all five states.
Although Bona Fide Forensics is based in Sacramento, assignments throughout the licensed service area are a regular part of the practice. Kirk travels as needed for scene inspections, evidence examinations, joint inspections, laboratory testing, and other investigative work.
Investigations may take place at the original loss site, a repair or storage facility, or through examination and testing of preserved evidence.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Need an Engineer for a Loss or Technical Dispute?
If you have a fire, water loss, mechanical failure, equipment loss, or other matter requiring forensic engineering analysis, contact Bona Fide Forensics to discuss the circumstances of the loss, available evidence, and appropriate scope of investigation.