Where did the fire start
– and what caused it?

We investigate fires and provide documented conclusions for use in insurance and legal cases. Our fire investigators are available around the clock, 24/7, helping clients reach reliable conclusions fast and move cases forward backed by independent expert assessments.

Fire investigations with DBI

Fire investigations are used when origin and cause of a fire must be documented with a high degree of technical reliability. DBI has more than 40 years of experience conducting fire investigations and is accredited according to DS/EN/ISO 17020.

We investigate hundreds of fires each year in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and support cases internationally in cooperation with partners. Investigations are carried out by specialists certified within fire investigation and used by insurers, authorities and legal professionals.

Fire investigator in protective gear inspecting fire-damaged debris at a burned site.

At DBI we carry out fire investigations of:

buildings
components
vehicles
ships
agricultural machinery

The investigation is based on examination of the fire scene and technical assessment of installations, components and materials relevant to the fire.

The result is a documented assessment of origin, cause and fire development – including the level of certainty that can be established.

What a fire investigation can document

The outcome of a fire investigation depends on the available evidence. The investigation documents:

the identified area of origin
possible and probable causes
how the fire developed
the level of certainty of the conclusions

In some cases, the cause can be determined with a high degree of certainty. In others, several scenarios remain possible, or the cause cannot be determined.

The results are used in insurance handling, recourse cases and legal proceedings.

Early assessment of fire cases

DBI can quickly assess whether a fire investigation is likely to provide a useful conclusion.

Clients receive feedback by email or phone within 24 hours.The purpose is to determine whether a fire investigation will provide a basis for further action, or whether the available technical evidence is insufficient.

An early assessment makes it possible to:

avoid spending resources on investigations that are unlikely to lead to a useful conclusion
start clean-up and reconstruction immediately if further investigation is not justified
ensure that the most appropriate specialist is assigned to the case if it provides a basis for further action
the assessment is based on available information about the fire, including photos, video and damage reports

Experiments and verification

When the fire scene alone does not provide sufficient documentation, DBI carries out experiments and technical testing. This is used to assess whether a specific cause is technically possible.

Examples include testing components, materials or scenarios relevant to the case.

The results are used to support or reject possible causes.

Expert’s report

In the case of a dispute, an independent expert assessment may be required.

DBI provides expert surveys carried out by experienced fire investigators acting as impartial surveyors. Several of DBI’s fire investigators are approved by IDA (The Danish Society of Engineers) as expert fire case surveyors.

As an impartial surveyor, DBI can:

review the fire investigation and available documentation
assess whether the conclusions are supported by the technical evidence
provide an independent evaluation of the cause of the fire

Expert surveys conducted by DBI are recognised by the courts, and in many cases, the conclusion of the expert surveyor forms part of the basis for the outcome of the case.

Burned household appliances secured with yellow caution tape after a fire.

Investigation of burnt items

Is the burnt item worth investigating further?
A feasibility study quickly shows whether a detailed investigation is likely to support the case – helping you avoid unnecessary costs and focus on the right items.

DBI can help you assess whether the item supports your case

Burned room captured as part of 3D documentation used for fire investigation and damage assessment.

3D documentation of fire scenes

DBI provides 3D models of fire scenes based on 360° images, allowing the scene to be documented and revisited after it has been cleared.

This service supports loss assessment and documentation. It also makes it possible to carry out work without repeated site visits.

CONTACT US 24/7

DBI's department for fire investigations is available on the phone
around the clock via our Service Center:

Phone: +45 20 10 90 30
Mail: sc@dbigroup.dk

In urgent cases, our fire investigators also drive out both evenings and weekends.

Contact

Feel free to reach out

Whatever enquiry you may have, we will be happy to assist you.

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