S.3 Ep.4- Building a Successful Fire Investigation Unit: Workflows, Culture, and Results

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens are joined by Fire Investigators Bill Strohm and Oliver Gillespie to explain how their fire investigation unit operates and why their structure leads to strong case outcomes. They break down the roles of shift investigators, who handle origin and cause, evidence collection, and witness interviews at active scenes, and day-shift investigators, who manage follow-ups, warrants, law enforcement coordination, and case preparation for prosecution. The team discusses how having two investigators on scene helps reduce bias and strengthen findings, the importance of building relationships with partner agencies, and how persistence and collaboration support long-term arson investigations. The episode closes with practical advice for solo investigators on capturing perishable information, staying disciplined with the scientific method, and communicating technical concepts clearly in court.Upcoming Trainings & Dates:New Mexico IAAI Annual Training Conference — February 23–27, 2026 (Albuquerque, NM)California Conference of Arson Investigators Training Seminar — February 23–26, 2026 (CA)Fire Investigation 1A (Miramar College) — March 9–13, 2026 (San Diego, CA)Georgia Fire Investigators Association Spring Conference — March 16–19, 2026 (Marietta, GA)Alabama Spring Training (Free) — April 7, 2026 (Decatur, AL)IAAI International Training Conference (ITC) — April 26–30, 2026 (St. Louis, MO)Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocusfire_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast