Fires and Explosions

  Studied fundamentals of fire chemistry and physics, materials of construction, and relevant electrical engineering courses at university, and have continued to date with extensive reading and study of related topics. 
  Completed an intensive Fire and Explosion Seminar sponsored by American Society of Chemical Engineers (1979); a course in Advanced Fire Investigation sponsored by the Canadian School of Fire Investigation (1982); an NFPA 921 Fire and Explosion Investigation Seminar sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, in Burlington, Ontario (1997); an IAAI Regional Training Seminar, including vehicle fire investigation, Halifax, Nova Scotia (1999); and a course on the National Fire Code at Daltech, Halifax, Nova Scotia (1999). 
  Studied electrical codes, attended electrical seminars and courses, and understudied electricians working on industrial, commercial and residential electrical installations as well as power distribution lines, to determine practical aspects of electrical installations. 
  Worked in the field with a variety of other experienced investigators, and provided consulting advice to the Office of the Fire Marshal in each of the four Atlantic Provinces. 
  Studied training videos and audiovisual courses prepared by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) among others, and conducted a variety of tests and experiments to gain firsthand experience in behaviour of materials and fire under particular conditions. 
  Presented and published papers, and participated in various seminars on different aspects of fire behaviour and investigation. (See Publications, above.)
  Awarded the designation of "Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator" (CFEI) by the National Certification Board of the National Association of Fire Investigators (1997). 
  Served as special advisor and investigator for government teams investigating fatal refinery fires and explosions at oil refineries in Newfoundland and New Brunswick (1998)
  Conducted over 320 detailed investigations concerning causal aspects of fires and explosions in a wide variety of commercial, industrial and domestic properties, including automobiles, boats, churches, factories, heavy equipment houses, industrial kitchens, machinery, mobile homes, oil refineries, propane systems, recreational vehicles, restaurants, trucks, and warehouses, et cetera, in each of the four Atlantic provinces. 
  Accepted as an expert to give opinion evidence concerning fire investigations in criminal and civil cases on over 23 occasions, in the Supreme and County Courts of Nova Scotia, the Court of Queen's Bench in New Brunswick, and the Provincial Court of Newfoundland.