Kelly,

I will leave it to Pat to defend NAFI and the CFEI program in general, as I do not believe he needs any help in that area. I must, however, respond to your general and I believe unfounded notion that most engineers come in after the fact and only look at the items identified by the O&C investigator. I for one have both a PE and CFEI. I am fully capable of conducting a full O&C investigation, or support the O&C investigator by providing additional expertise in electrical matters. As to the latter, even when I am brought in just for the electrical, I always look at the scene to make sure I agree with the call regarding the origin of the fire. I believe this is my professional obligation in providing the client the services they are requesting. I know of other engineers that are likewise qualified to do both parts of the investigation, just like I am aware of engineers who do not get involved in the O&C portion. You would be best served by making sure you have your facts straight, rather than shooting from the hip.

Rich

Rich Kovarsky, P.E., CFEI
Pyro-Technical Investigations
www.ptiforensic.com