This study evaluates the ability of 500+ investigators to determine the area of origin through the use of photographs and measureable data. It would be wrong to say that this study is an error rate for an overall origin determination, as it does not include witness statements, arc mapping, or fire dynamics – the other three areas of information for origin determination were not included.

I do find it interesting that there are always naysayers to others work and testing (knowing full well that there are thousands of variables that cannot be accounted for in every fire test), yet they have not done any testing themselves to help solve the problems. I hear a lot of complaints and dismissive tone about the testing from our article and others not being long enough in post-flashover duration…my question to them - is where is your data and tests that support your assertions. I would love to see more testing...let me know when you have published your results, I would love to see how it helps the profession.

Best regards,

Greg