Top 25 Fire Investigation Companies in 2026

Whether a fire is intentional, accidental, or due to other reasons, fire investigation companies can help determine what caused it and how it spread. These companies can analyze the fire scene, collect evidence, assess damage, and provide valuable information about the origin and cause of the fire. 

‍

The work done by fire investigation companies not only helps insurance companies process claims but also helps in legal proceedings in case of arson. If you’re looking for a fire investigation company, browse through our comprehensive list, understand what services they offer, and how to pick the right company for your specific needs.

Table of Contents

We reviewed over 150 fire investigation companies to select our top 25 recommendations based on a number of factors, such as services offered, number of years in business, professional affiliations, and industry reputation.

Nationwide Coverage

• Casalinova Investigations, Inc. — Nationwide services — Residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicle fires
• NEFCO Fire Investigations — Nationwide network of 150+ investigators — Origin and cause, subrogation, arson, and liability investigations
• Envista Forensics — Nationwide, multidisciplinary — Fire and explosion origin and cause, fire science, engineering, and chemistry
• J.S. Held — Nationwide — Fire origin and cause investigation with regional forensic laboratories for evidence storage
• U.S. Forensic — All 50 states and Puerto Rico — Fire origin and cause, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering
• Fire Research & Technology (FRT) — Nationwide — Fire and explosion investigation, electrical and mechanical failure analysis, on-site CT scanning and 3D microscopy
• Forensic Investigations Group, LLC — Nationwide and international — Fire and explosion origin and cause, ISO/IEC 17020 accredited

West

• Fire Origin & Cause, Inc. — California, Nevada, Arizona — Residential and commercial fire origin and cause, expert witness testimony
• Fire Cause Analysis (FCA) — California, Hawaii, with expanding Midwest coverage — Forensic engineering, origin and cause, dedicated evidence storage facilities

Southwest

• McDowell Owens Forensic Engineering — Texas — Residential, commercial, industrial, heavy equipment, vehicle, marine, and wildland fires
• Forensic Fire Consultants Ltd. (FFC) — Southwest region — Fire and explosion origin, cause, and responsibility for damage

Pacific Northwest and Mountain West

• Talbott Associates, Inc. — Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming — Residential, commercial, vehicle, and heavy equipment fires
• FOCUS Fire Investigations — Colorado, Idaho, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming — Residential, commercial, industrial, heavy equipment, vehicle, marine, and wildland fires
• Hart & Mehaffey Consulting — Montana, Washington — Fire investigations, trial preparation, and expert witness services

Midwest

• Agosti Fire Investigations — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin — Residential, commercial, vehicle, and heavy equipment fires
• Fire and Explosion Consultants LLC — Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia — Residential, commercial, vehicle, and heavy equipment fires

South and Southeast

• Forensic Fire Services LLC — Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee — Residential, commercial, industrial, automotive, marine, and heavy equipment fires
• Jack Ward Fire Consultants — Florida — Fire and explosion expert witness services
• Haag Global (Haag Fire O&C) — Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas — Fire and explosion origin and cause, code-issue analysis for subrogation
• Coastal Fire Investigations — Louisiana, Mississippi — Fire origin and cause analysis, subrogation support, veteran-owned
• Investigative Services Companies, LLC — Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri — Fire origin and cause, failure analysis, underwater and salvage inspections

Mid-Atlantic

• Riffe Fire Investigations LLC — Virginia — Residential, commercial, industrial, vehicle, heavy machinery, and wildland fires
• O'Neill Associates — New Jersey, New York, New York City, Pennsylvania, Delaware — Fire and explosion origin and cause investigation

Northeast

• Genesis Forensics — New England — Fire investigation and forensic engineering, ISO 17020 accredited
• National Forensic Consultants, Inc. (NFC) — New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, with a broader nationwide network — Multidisciplinary forensic investigation including fire origin and cause

Fire investigation companies offer a number of services that are essential for understanding how a fire started and evolved. Here are a few services these companies typically provide:

Fire Scene Analysis

This involves a meticulous examination of the fire scene to gather evidence and assess the nature of the fire. Investigators look for burn patterns, smoke damage, and other physical clues that can indicate how the fire started and spread.

This process often includes:

• Documentation: Investigators document the scene through photographs, sketches, and detailed notes to capture the initial conditions before any alterations.
• Evidence Collection: Physical evidence, such as remnants of ignition sources, accelerants, or fire debris, is carefully collected for further analysis.

Fire Damage Assessment

Fire investigation companies evaluate the structural integrity of a building, document damage, and create detailed reports that provide information about the impact of the fire on the property. Fire damage assessment is an important service for insurance claims and it also provides helpful information for rebuilding.

Here’s what this service usually involves:

• Structural Evaluation: Inspecting the building's framework and foundation to determine whether it is safe for re-entry or requires immediate demolition.
• Inventory of Losses: Creating a comprehensive list of damaged items to support insurance claims and restoration efforts.

Fire Cause Determination

Determining the cause of a fire is a primary focus of fire investigation. This involves identifying the ignition source, materials involved, and the sequence of events leading to the fire. Investigators use scientific methods of fire investigation, including the analysis of ignitable liquids, to uncover whether the fire was accidental, negligent, or intentional.

Expert Witness Testimony

In legal cases related to fire incidents, fire investigation companies often provide expert witness testimony. Their findings can play an important role in court, helping to clarify complex technical issues like fire patterns for judges and juries.

Consultation for Prevention

Many companies also offer consultation services aimed at fire prevention. By identifying potential fire hazards and recommending safety measures, they help businesses and homeowners reduce the risk of future fires.

While there are many fire investigation companies, it’s important to do your research. If you want reliable and accurate results, it’s important to work with an experienced and reputable company. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a fire investigation company.

Qualifications and Certifications

Ensure the company has qualified professionals with certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). These credentials indicate a commitment to high standards and ongoing education in fire investigation.

Experience and Specialization

Look for a company with a proven track record in fire investigations. Many companies may have experience in specific types of fires, such as residential, commercial, and vehicle. Specialized knowledge in arson investigation is also important if intentional fire setting is suspected.

Consider whether you want the company to investigate a residential, vehicle, or commercial fire and then ask about their experience in that specific field and the number of investigations they’ve handled in that field.

Reputation and Reviews

Online reviews, testimonials, and referrals can give you an idea of a company's reputation. A company with a solid reputation in the community and positive feedback from clients is more likely to provide reliable services.

Check to see if the company is a member of professional organizations. This can indicate credibility. Read the company’s reviews on its website as well as on third-party review sites, such as Google, Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot.

Services Provided

Choose a company that offers a full range of services. This ensures that all aspects of the fire investigation, from scene analysis to expert testimony, can be handled by one company. You may also want to ensure that the company has the expertise and resources to handle complex cases.

Ask if they offer any post-investigation support and services, such as consulting and help with insurance claims.  

Fire investigation companies can be very valuable for determining the cause of fires. These companies provide a wide range of services, ranging from fire scene analysis and damage assessment to expert testimony. They ensure that both legal and safety concerns are addressed.

When selecting a fire investigation company, consider their qualifications, experience, reputation, and service offerings. While it may take time, this will help ensure accurate and dependable results.

Who performs fire investigations?

Fire investigations are generally performed by certified fire investigators, often working for specialized fire investigation companies, local fire departments, or law enforcement agencies.

Who investigates fires in the U.S.?

In the U.S., fire investigations are conducted by fire marshals, arson investigators, and private fire investigation firms. Local fire departments often have dedicated personnel for these roles.

What are the top three industries that employ fire investigators?

The top industries that employ fire investigators include insurance companies (to investigate claims), law enforcement agencies (to determine criminal activity), and fire departments (for public safety and prevention).