Fire Phil

Forensic Fire Scene Investigator - M.NZFBI Licensed Private Investigator

I have 38 years operational experience within fire services in New Zealand and Victoria, Australia and was endorsed as a Fire Investigator in 1989. To date I have completed in excess of 3000 investigations involving all aspects of small accidental fires to multiple structures and all types of vehicles and vegetation fires. I have had a large involvement in the investigation of arson and have assisted Police in that capacity.

Through my experiences I have developed a high degree of knowledge and accuracy in determining the cause and origin of all types of fires. That accuracy has assisted insurers, Police and individuals to pursue the matter further and arrive at a satisfactory outcome.

If you are in need of the services of an Investigator who is known for attention to detail, then please call or email me and I welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs.

Who do I work for?

I have been appointed to the panels of a number of Insurance Companies and conduct investigations in relation to insurance claims on their behalf. I also conduct private work and liaise closely with Police and Fire Services. My reports are often provided to Police to assist their investigations and the preparation of Evidence Briefs for matters taken before the Courts. My reports have also been instrumental in establishing liability of a third party and succsessfully obtaining recovery due to faulty appliances or negligence on the part of an individual or organisation.

Where can I work?

I operate throughout Victoria, NSW and will travel within Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific Region when required.

What are my fees?

I have established a Schedule of Fees that can be privided on request. My fee structure is designed to achieve a cost effective service to my clients.

Types of Fires - fire scene investigations

• Structures (all types) Domestic & Commercial
• Motor Vehicles (all types) Maritime Vessels, Industrial & Farm Machinery
• Wildfires (plantations, grasslands, crops)

Fire service background:

Operational:

• Career Firefighter & Officer - New Zealand Fire Service – 33.5 years. (highest substantive rank held – Deputy Chief Fire Officer).
• 2001-2006. Officer in Charge of the Morwell Fire Brigade and a Regional Operations Officer - Gippsland Area – Country Fire Authority, Victoria, Australia – 4.5 years.
• Total length of operational service – 38 years.
• I hold a number of fire service related qualifications, including competencies to the level of Certificate 4 and Associate Diploma - Operational Firefighting (AFAC).

Fire Investigations:

• Fire Investigator – NZ Fire Service since 1990.
• Member of joint NZ Police & NZ Fire Service Arson Investigation Team.
• Conducted in excess of 3000 fire investigations in New Zealand for the NZ Fire Service, NZ Police and before Insurance Industry CFA.
• Fire & Accident Investigator – Self employed – 1999 – 2001 – New Zealand.
• Fire Investigator – Country Fire Authority (Vic) – 2001 – 2006.
• CFA Gippsland Area (Vic) Fire Investigation Coordinator.
• Prepared reports and documents for District, County, High and Coroners Courts.
• Given evidence as an Expert Witness in District, County, High and Coroners Courts on 25 occasions (NZ and Victoria).
• Endorsed as an advanced structural, motor vehicle and wildfire investigator.
• Completed all training courses applicable to NZ & Vic Fire Service investigators.
• Completed Vic Police “Introduction to Law” course.
• Completed an Arson Investigation course conducted by the NZ Police.
• Completed training at the Victoria Police Arson Forensic Centre.
• I am a Licensed Private Investigator, licence No. 598-854-20S
• I am a member (by examination) of the New Zealand Fire Brigades Institute.
• I have Certificate 3 in Investigative Services (Australia).

Contact me today for more details