Forensic Engineering & Fire Investigation Services
Objective, Scientific, Defensible, Bona Fide.
Bona Fide Forensics provides forensic engineering, fire investigation, and technical analysis for insurance carriers, attorneys, manufacturers, property owners, and other parties involved in property losses and technical disputes.
Our work includes fire and explosion investigation, water losses, mechanical failures, appliance and equipment examinations, vehicle fires, evidence evaluation, and related forensic engineering services.
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION SERVICES
Forensic Engineering Services for Property, Equipment & Vehicle Losses
Each investigation is tailored to the circumstances of the loss, available evidence, and the questions that need to be addressed. Services range from initial site examinations through laboratory testing, technical analysis, and reporting.
Determine fire origin and cause by examining fire patterns, ignition sources, electrical systems, appliances, and physical evidence.
Determine vehicle fire origin and cause by examining burn patterns, electrical systems, fuel systems, components, and physical evidence.
Determine water loss origin and cause by examining plumbing systems, appliances, connections, materials, damage patterns, and physical evidence.
Determine how mechanical failures occurred by examining components, operating conditions, wear, fractures, maintenance history, and physical evidence.
Evaluate appliance failures by examining components, electrical systems, plumbing connections, operating conditions, damage patterns, and physical evidence.
Evaluate equipment failures by examining components, electrical systems, operating conditions, maintenance, and physical evidence.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Additional Forensic Engineering & Investigation Services
In addition to our primary investigation services, Bona Fide Forensics provides supporting technical services that can assist with claim evaluation, evidence preservation, litigation, and further forensic analysis.
Drone Photography
Aerial photography and documentation of structures, roofs, fire scenes, and other areas that may be difficult to access from the ground. Drone imagery can provide valuable context for damage assessment, scene documentation, and forensic analysis.
Evidence Handling & Storage
Identification, collection, documentation, transportation, and secure storage of physical evidence related to forensic investigations. Evidence is handled with attention to preservation, traceability, and chain-of-custody considerations.
Damage Assessment
On-site documentation and evaluation of property damage following fires, water losses, mechanical failures, and other events. We help identify the nature, extent, and likely mechanisms of damage to support claim evaluation and further investigation.
File Review
Technical review of photographs, reports, estimates, repair records, maintenance documents, and testing data. File reviews can identify key technical issues, determine whether further investigation is warranted, and support claims or litigation.
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
Forensic Engineering Experience Across a Range of Losses
Bona Fide Forensics is led by Kirk LuMaye, PE, a mechanical engineer and certified fire and vehicle fire investigator. Assignments are approached with an emphasis on physical evidence, engineering analysis, clear documentation, and defensible technical conclusions.
Licensed Professional Engineer
Mechanical Engineering CA, NV, OR, WA, AZ
Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
National Association of Fire Investigators
Certified Professional Inspector
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
SERVICE AREAS
Serving California and the Western United States
Based in Northern California, Bona Fide Forensics provides forensic engineering and fire investigation services throughout California and accepts assignments in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Regional service pages provide additional information about coverage throughout Northern California, Southern California, and Reno and Northern Nevada.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services
