OFM – FIS Training Seminar – OFM Headquarters
November 20, 2024
2-hour seminar presented by OFM Management regarding Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code (Fire Safety Plans), Update regarding FIRS (Fire Investigation Reporting System)
Niagara Arson Committee – One Day Seminar
Thorold Fire Department Headquarters
November 14, 2024
1-day seminar featuring case study presentations from OFM Investigators (including myself), Arson Investigations from an Insurance Perspective, Lithium-Ion battery fires, case studies and hazards, Bone Deconstruction in fatal fires, first Responder responsibilities at scene and human remains recovery.
OFM – Annual FIS Fall Training – Office of the Fire Marshal
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #162, Elmvale, Ontario
October 21-24, 2024
4-day training featuring presentation by OFM Staff regarding the ongoing experimental project on gasoline and material sampling, a Corporate Update presented by OFM Management, digital resources, lithium batteries, hazards and remediation, Motor vehicle fires, hazards and evidence recovery, case studies related to two recent fires (Guelph Fatal and Toronto Anglican Church).
OFM – Annual FIS Spring Training
Office of the Fire Marshal, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #147, Barrie, Ontario
June 5-6, 2024
2-day training featuring lectures on the analytical services offered by the Centre of Forensic Sciences with emphasis on the processes and limitations in regards to origin and cause investigations. Discussions on the chemical properties of gasoline and its interaction with heat.
Expert evidence testimony, challenges to origin and cause evidence. Different investigative methods to minimize risk associated with challenges as an expert witness.
Case study relating to a butane explosion and the associated hypothesis testing which included a live demonstration at the Elmvale fire grounds.
Corporate update from the Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Marshal and the Deputy Solicitor General.
Presentation on the changes associated with the newest edition of NFPA 921 – 2024 Edition.
OFM – FIS Training – Case Study – 209-002-2016 and 270-023-2023
Richmond Hill Fire Department Training Facility
January 23-24, 2024
Presentations by the lead investigators (James ALLEN and Jim CAMPBELL) detailing the circumstances and challenges associated with these two investigations. Working with outside agencies such as TSSA, ATF, CFS and First Nations. Difficulties associated with working in remote locations under adverse conditions.
OFM Annual Fall Training
Office of the Fire Marshal, Elmvale, Ontario
October 16-20, 2023
5-day training presented by various OFM personnel and outside experts.
Topics discussed – Understanding the interaction between the OFM – FIS and the Ontario Forensic Pathology unit. Presented by Dr. Andrew WILLIAMS, MD, FRCPC, (AP & FP) Forensic Pathologist.
Understanding the authorities within the Ontario Fire Code, the Ontario Building Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, followed by case reviews. Presented by OFM Operations Manager Tawnya ROBERTS and Jeff TEBBY.
Dust explosions, their hazards, common causes, probable outcomes and prevention methods. Presented by Jeff MYCROFT, B.Sc. Regional Sales Manager FIKE Canada.
“Stranger Things” presentation focusing on situations that may present themselves at fire and explosion investigations that are unexpected or unusual. Presented by Steve SILVER, Forensic Fire Protection Engineer – OFM.
Presentation from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regarding common safety-related issues caused to Natural Gas distribution systems. Coupled with a presentation from Ontario ONE CALL system regarding methods of obtaining a locate, the need to obtain them and common issues with improperly identified locates including methods to mitigate potential hazards.
Presentation from Enbridge Natural gas detailing the natural gas distribution system in North America and specifically Ontario including the collection and storage of natural gas, distribution to residential and commercial properties, regulators, and metering.
Presentation on the hazards associated with stove top cooking fires followed by a live burn demonstration and the application of water. Presented by Kyle HASSELMAN and Ryan JORDAN OFM – FFPE.
Dust explosion discussion, hazards, causes followed by a live demonstration. Presented by Barbara SYLVESTRE-WILLIAMS OFM – FFPE.
Presentation on portable fire suppression extinguishers. Presented by Peter HALLINAN, General Manager SSi Fire Solutions and Kevin CUSACK, VP of Sales, Western North America, Fireaway Inc. followed by live burn demonstrations.
Respiratory protection, proper use and maintenance of issued PPE. Presented by Dale MOORE, OFM ERU Specialist.
Presentation on teamwork and leadership presented by Chris LEWIS, C.O.M., retired Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Presentation on the recovery of human remains from both structure and motor vehicle fires. The hazards, difficulties, and methods of evidence collection. Presented by Greg OLSON, M.Sc., CFEI Forensic Anthropologist.
Forensic Photography for Fire Investigators
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
August 28, 2023
1-hour seminar presented by Brad Walsh, Constable Victoria Police Service and Assistant Chief / Fire Investigator Megan Sabell, Victoria Fire Department. Properly documenting a scene requires an investigator to possess a fundamental understanding of photography, including familiarity with equipment and accessories, lighting and movement, and common camera settings. Provided with valuable theory that will help to obtain better evidentiary photographs at fire investigations. NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2021 edition, Chapter 16.2 – 16.2.10 (Photography)
The Hazards Associated with Dust Explosions
Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPA) – South West Ontario Chapter
June 20, 2023 – St Clair Fire Department, Corunna Station
2-hour presentation on the causes and hazards associated with dust explosions, current inspection issues and mitigation systems. Delivered by Jeff Mycroft, B.Sc. Regional Sales Manager, Ontario for FIKE CANADA INC.
Motor Vehicle Fire Investigations
International Association of Arson Investigators (I.A.A.I) – Ontario Chapter
June 7 and 8, 2023 – 2 Days in class training
Presentation on the following topics by: The Importance of VIN Verification; Jeff DAVIS, Davis V.I.N. Consulting Inc. / The Relationship between Fire Investigation Basics and Vehicle Arson; Scott Broad, CFEI, CVFI, CFII, Envista Forensics. / Infotainment Examination; Matthew OBACH, MASc., P.Eng., CFEI, CVFI, Origin and Cause, Consulting Forensic Engineers and Fire Investigations, Z.S. Pete VOLARIC, B.A. (Hons), LLB, Jeffrey R. GOIT, B.A. (Hons), J.D., DiVincenzo Volaric LLP, Barristers & Solicitors.
Lithium-Ion Battery Symposium – Challenges for the Fire Service
March 30, 2023 – 1 Day Online Symposium
Presented by Fire Safety Research Institute and the District of Columbia Fire and EMS – Speakers: Hunter Clare, Captain Peoria Fire-Medical Department Arizona, – Dr. Thomas Barth PhD, Chief, Special Investigations Branch at National Transportation Safety Board, – Adam Barowy, Research Engineer, Fire Safety Research Institute – Lt. John Cassidy, Haz-mat Company 1, Fire Department of New York – Captain Evan Balcombe, Fire Department of New York – Sean DeCrane, Director, Firefighter Health and Safety Operational Services, International Association of Firefighters –
Topics Presented: Lithium-Ion Battery Storage System Explosion in Arizona – Electric Vehicle Fire Hazards – Fundamentals of Lithium-ion Battery Fires –
e-Mobility Firefighting Best Practices – Electric Vehicle Firefighting Considerations – Energy Storage System Firefighting Best Practices – Panel Discussion: Judy Jeevarajan, PhD, Vice President, Research, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute – Chief Otto Drozd, Executive Secretary, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association – Chief Michael O’Brian, Board Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs – Hunter Clare – Sean DeCrane.
OFM Annual Spring Training
Office of the Fire Marshal
June 22 and 23, 2022 – 2 Days in class training
Presentation by OFM Staff – Corporate update – Media Communications -Training initiatives, OFC, MLFTU, Changes to NFPA 921, Testifying as an Expert Witness, Sunlight as an ignition source.
NARCAN Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
December 6, 2021
Presentation by Simcoe EMS on the hazards, signs and symptoms of Fentanyl and Opioid exposure, the response and use of aerosolized NARCAN as a treatment.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
September 22, 2021 – 1-hour Online Seminar
Presentation of NFPA-1033 – 2022 – The New Requirements for Fire Investigator Qualifications.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
September 13-17, 2021 – 5 days of in-class training
Topics presented included, Mental Wellness for the Fire Investigator, the Digital Evidence Management System, Media Interactions, Respiratory Protection, Atmospheric Monitoring at Fire Scenes, The Field Identification of Hazardous Materials, and an introduction to the Advanced Fire Cause Determination Course – Chemistry of Fire; Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigations; Computer Fire Modelling; Fire Alarm and Protection Systems; and Fuel Systems and Explosions (including case reviews: Aluminum Dust Explosion, Sarnia, and Sunrise Propane Explosion, Toronto).
Presented by OFMEM staff FFPE Christine MAK, FFPE Eerik RANDSALU, FFPE Steve SILVER, FFPE James BENNETT, FFPE Bruce PATTERSON; FFPE Qadeer CHOUDRY, EPRU Specialist Brent STERLING, Kathleen CRAIG/FI Manager LAWSON (DEMS), and outside instructors Michele RICH; and Sean DRISCOLL.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
July 12, 2021
1-hour online seminar on Fire Dynamics – Part 2.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
June 30, 2021 – 1-hour Online Seminar
Presentation on Fire Dynamics – Part 1.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
June 16-18, 2021
3 Days of in-class training on the updates from the new edition of NFPA 921 – 2021 Edition, fire dynamics and technical report writing.
OFMEM First Aid Training – Casualty Care
May 26, 2021
1-day training including standard first aid, CPR and AED.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
April 6, 2021 – 1 hour Online Webinar
Update on Electric Vehicle Fires in Canada.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
November 24, 2020
1-hour online Presentation on the dynamics of slow ignition scenarios dealing mostly with the application of cigarettes to various fuels. Presented by training officers Mike Ross and Jason Williams from the OFMEM.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Online
September 21-24, 2020
Fire Dynamics Course:4 day Fire Dynamics training with J. Lord (ATF FRL Engineer Ret.) and OFMEM Instructors in relation to Fire Dynamics Calculations, Heat Transfer, Ignition, Compartment Fire Dynamics, Utilizing Fire Alarm Systems in Origin & Cause Determination, Fire Modelling and Report Writing.
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
June 3, 2020
1-hour online presentation on the 3 most common causes for vehicle fires.
OFMEM QARM Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Online Training
April and May 2020
Principles of Fire Behaviour – Lectures covering Ignition (piloted vs autoignition, evaporation, flashpoint, fire point, ignition of the states of matter, ignition temperature of solids), Flame Spread (types of flame spread), Fire Plumes (buoyancy and entrainment, behavior of fire plumes, flame heights and temperatures above fires) and Combustion Products (nature and levels of combustion products for various fire conditions). Each of the specific topics had learning objectives and demonstrated in its application in the confines of the scientific method and case studies.
Unique Challenges of Investigating Files in Extreme Cold
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI)
February 18, 2020
1-hour seminar on working in extreme weather.
OFMEM QARM Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Midhurst
December 10-12, 2019
Two days of fire investigation training as it relates to the scientific method and multiple compartment area of origin analysis. Relevant case law as it relates to expert evidence delivery of fire investigation. Presented by QARM staff.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
November 18-22, 2019
Annual Fall training, Topics covered included Incident management, building construction, PPE, use, cleaning, application donning and doffing, radio communication, common fire fighting terminology, fire extinguishers, fire fighting equipment (hoses, nozzles, etc.), hose streams, firefighter tactics and safety, urban and rural water supply, compartment fire spread.
OFMEM Fire Code – Div B – Part 2 & 6
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
October 28 – November 1, 2019
NFPA Certification Course presented at the Ontario Fire College. Instruction on the authorities and requirements for the inspections for compliance with the Ontario Fire and Building Code’s as it applies to various occupancy classifications in Ontario.
Presented by OFC Instructional Staff.
OFMEM Engineering Training
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Midhurst
October 17, 2019
Instruction on the Chemistry of Fire including discussions on the History of Chemistry, Matter, Elements and Compounds, Physical Structure of Atoms, The Periodic Table, Physical State (gas, solid, liquid), Oxidation, Energy, Molecules and Chemical Reactions, Types of Energy, (kinetic, potential, chemical), Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry of Combustion, Explosions.
Presented by OFMEM Forensic Fire Protection Engineer Steve SILVER and
Dr. Kenneth J. REIMER BSc, MSc, PhD, FCIC.
NFPA 1033 Fire Inspector I
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
September 16-20, 2019
NFPA Certification Course presented at the Ontario Fire College. Instruction on the authorities and requirements for the inspections for compliance to the Ontario Fire and Building Code’s for various occupancy classifications in Ontario.
Presented by OFC Instructional Staff.
Proctored NFPA Certification Exam – 20th September 2019 – Successful
OFMEM Fire Code – Div B – Part 9
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
July 17-21, 2019
Ontario Fire College 5 day training program dealing with Part 9 of the Ontario Fire Code and the requirements for retrofit of fire safety systems in specific building occupancies. Presented by OFC Instructional Staff.
OFMEM Annual Spring Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
May 13-15, 2019
Ontario Fire College 3 day training program. Instruction and discussion with live burn scenarios. Topics included fire analysis, fire dynamics, scientific method, fire pattern, fire suppression on involvement in compartment fires. Presented by training staff of the OFMEM.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
October 1-4, 2018
Ontario Fire College 4-day training program. Instruction and discussion with live demonstration on flame jetting, Multi Rae training, Expert Witness Trial Challenges presented by Madam Justice Laura Bird, Case Studies & Health Canada Mandate presented by FFPE & members from Health Canada, Vehicle Fires – Identification of vehicle presented by OPP Detective Constable Kevin Calhoun, EPRU Unit Equipment and Response presented by EPRU Specialist Brent Sterling, Live Burn Presentations – West Grey – FI’s Bird, Rushton, Gibson & Lock.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
November 27-28, 2017
Ontario Fire College 4-day training program. Instruction received on fire scene safety, surviving cross examination, heat release rate and associated calculations. Dispatched to a fire the morning of the 3rd day.
OFMEM Annual Spring Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
May 8-12, 2017
Ontario Fire College 5 day training covering topics including Human Osteology, Fire Recovery of Human Remains, (Structure and Vehicle), Shallow Grave Recovery, Surface Scatter of Human Remains and Entomology. Presented by Dr. Kathy Gruspier, M.A., B.A., Ph.D., J.D., Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Greg Olson, B.A., M.Sc., Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Helene N. LeBlanc, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
November 29 – December 2, 2016
Ontario Fire College 4-day training covering topics including timelines and how they impact fire cause investigation, test burns of smouldering fires on items such as paper, fabric, brush, hay, and cardboard, lecture on smouldering fires and heat transfer as it relates to smouldering fires, Critical Incident Stress, case study R vrs Jorden.
OFMEM Annual Spring Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
June 6-10, 2016
Ontario Fire College 5 day annual training course covering topics including a case study of the Pikangikum multiple fatality fire, panel discussion covering topics relating to current trends in court, issues stemming from case reviews, accidental fires, role of Supervisors and Coordinators, energy for flashover, time to ignition calculations, LEL vs UEL, specific gravity vs. vapour density, basic fire dynamics, elevated fire case study, smouldering fires on various surfaces demonstration burns, open flame burns, electrical failures, heat release rate required for flashover, ventilation effects on fire development, fires in confined spaces, smouldering fires, fire development and dynamics with elevated fuels, factors affecting self-heating and spontaneous ignition, explosions.
Understanding Ventilation and Post-flashover Fire Dynamics
Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI) Spring Training Seminar
April 20, 2016
Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) – A full day training seminar presented by Jeff MINTEN, BA, CFEI, Fire Investigations Supervisor with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. Topics included: common mistakes, fire science (Thermometry, Fluid Dynamics, Fire Chemistry), flashover, factors affecting fire development, identifying the difference in fire development pre and post flashover, locating the fire triangle, hypothesizing the “when” in fire development, dead air space, flow paths, confined spaces, stairways, chaseways and chimneys.
OFMEM Annual Spring Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
June 1-5, 2015
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst. 5 day training seminar covering topics including: CISM Peer Support, MOPI Review, Advanced fire chemistry, growth and development of elevated fires, ventilation effects related to area of origin determination, fuel vs ventilation controlled fires, fire dynamics as they relate to case studies, demonstration burns smoldering vs flaming ignition, fatal fires and the fire dynamics related to the body as a fuel package, smoldering ignition, explosion dynamics and their application in case studies, and engineering demonstrations of electrical failures, electrical arcs, hot surface ignition of gasoline, ignition with fireworks, ignition from mirrors, and explosive ranges
2015 Forensic Investigative Services Conference
Toronto Police Service
May 12-15, 2015
4-day training conference covering topics including:
Use of Chemical and Biological Agents in Criminal Cases and Terrorism Incidents – A discussion of several criminal cases and terrorism incidents and how local and federal law enforcement responded; and the methods that were used to solve the cases and pursue the terrorist – Presented by Dr. David Hodge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Serial Killer Case Study – A presentation of the Ottawa Police Service investigation of Serial Killer Camille Cleroux as assisted by Forensic Anthropologist Greg Olson, MSc;
Excavation of Human Remains from Historical Graves, Victim recovery from an air crash during extreme winter conditions – Presented by Greg Olson, MSc; Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Current Challenges to Forensic Evidence – A panel discussion regarding the legal issues related to expert testimony. Including the implications of the Gouge inquiry as well as issues surrounding the tests to qualify an expert witness including a “cost – benefit” analysis – Presented by Justice David Rose, Crown Attorney Paul Tait and Defence Council Enzo Rondinelli
Accelerant on Skin Post Fire – A presentation examining recent research conducted at the Ontario Police College utilizing various materials, gasoline and pig carcasses, Including the results of laboratory examinations
Gasoline in Lung Tissue and Heart Blood – A presentation examining recent research conducted at the Ontario Police College where pig carcasses were exposed to gasoline and gasoline vapours prior to being ignited. The results obtained after necropsy were examined – Presented by Greg Olson, MSc; and Kevin Pahor, MSc; Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Advanced photography for FIO (Forensic Identification Officer) – Techniques and concepts including advanced metering, lighting difficult surfaces, using remote flash, using multiple “pops” and gelling the strobe for both practical and creative lighting – Presented by Jason DiMichele & Jennifer Ford Photo Imaging Technicians Toronto Police Service
Processing Tips for Marihuana Grow Labs – Gathering evidence within the often dangerous and high humidity environment of an illegal Marihuana Grow Lab – Presented by Wade Knaap and Jessica Piekny
Case Studies: Lac Megantic and L’Isle Verte A presentation of the logistical issues and evidentiary barriers presented by large scale disasters – Presented by Sergeant Luc Gagnon Surete du Quebec
Advanced Fire Cause Determination Investigation Course
Office of the Fire Marshal
February 18-19, 2015
2-day training course to support the certification process under NFPA 1033.
Topics included: Case Review – A Failure Analysis, Fire Investigation – Sterling Trucks – Public Safety, Computer Fire Modelling, Fire Alarm Systems, Vehicle Fire Scene Examination, and Explosion Investigation.
Expert Forensic Evidence in Criminal Proceedings
A joint program of the Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Professional Development
January 16, 2015
1-day training seminar covering topics including; New Developments in the Jurisprudence on Expert Testimony – Presented by Jeffrey R. Manishen, The Hon. Justice Michael Fairburn, The Hon. Justice David Paciocco
New Developments in Forensic Pathology as a Prototype for Other Forensic Disciplines – Presented by Michael S. Pollanen, MD, Ph.D, FRCPath, DMJ (Path), Kristopher S. Cunningham, MD, Ph.D, Charis Kepron, MD, MSc, FRCPC, John R. Fernandes, MDCM, FRCSC, FRCPC
Distinguishing between Science and Pseudo Science – Presented by Michelle Shouldice, Med, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, Dr. Kathy Gruspier, PhD, J.D., Jonathan Newman
Issues in Obtaining an Expert’s Opinion – Presented by Mark J. Sandler, Scott C. Hutchison, Robin Flumerfelt, Toby H. Rose, MD, FRCPC
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Issues – Presented by The Hon. Justice Michael Fairburn, Marie Henein, Michelle Shouldice, Med, MD, FRCPC, FAAP
Experts in the Media – Presented by Steven A. Skurka, Jeffrey R. Manishen, Richard Crouse
Keynote Speaker: James Lockyer, A Case Study – How Forensic Science Came to the Rescue
Advanced Fire Cause Determination Investigation Course
Office of the Fire Marshal
January 13–14, 2015
2-day training course to support the certification process under NFPA 1033.
Topics included Advanced Fire Dynamics, Application of Evidence Based Hypotheses. 3 Forms of Combustion, Smoldering, Open Flame & Explosive Combustion. 4 Stages of Fire, Incipient, Fire Growth, Steady State, Decay. Flashover. Post flashover ventilation effects, Smoldering vs. Flaming Combustion. Legal challenges to the Investigator.
Advanced Fire Cause Determination Investigation Course
Office of the Fire Marshal
December 9–10, 2014
2-day training course to support the certification process under NFPA 1033.
Topics included scene examination and documentation, Case review, TSSA case review, Incendiary Fires.
OFMEM Annual Fall Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
November 24-28, 2014
5 day training seminar covering topics including, Corporate overview, Amalgamation of the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of Emergency Management Ontario, Fire Investigation Reporting System update, Update to the Ontario Fire Code, Information session on Vulnerable Occupancy Residences, Ministry of Natural Recourses – Petroleum Operations Section update on ground storage of natural gas and other petroleum products.
Advanced Fire Cause Determination Investigation Course
Office of the Fire Marshal, Centre for Forensic Sciences
November 18-19, 2014
2-day training course to support the certification process under NFPA 1033. Topics included basic fire science, Demonstrations and practical exercises, tour of the CFS and introduction of the tests and testing methods available to the Office of the Fire Marshall, Case Law review, Case study, Documentation including note taking, scene photography.
Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliance Fires
Benton Harbor, Michigan
November 2– 7, 2014
Intensive 4-day, in-lab, hands-on program for fire investigators. Learn how appliances and electrical components work, fail and cause fires. Spent four days with Fire Findings’ experts on-site in their forensic laboratory. Examined actual appliances and appliance components that have failed, causing fires. Witnessed fire-causing demonstrations involving, Gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas and electric clothes dryers, dishwashers, ranges and microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, space heaters and other small appliances. Presented by Jack Sanderson (Fire Investigator), James Finneran (appliance failures) and Nathan Dwyer (electrical expert).
Advanced Fire Investigations – Toronto Arson Task Force
Toronto Fire Academy – Toronto, Ontario
October 14-15, 2014
2-day training seminar presented by Dr. John DeHann covering: Sources of Ignition, Low Voltage Devices, How the Human Body Reacts to Fire, Case Studies involving Wrongful Convictions, and Serial Arsonists.
NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator Course
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
July 14-18, 2014
5- day training course covering topics including: Roles and responsibilities pertaining to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997; Roles and responsibilities of OFM personnel, and OFM expertise available; Roles and responsibilities of the various agencies; Scientific Method; Fire Scene Safety and Security; Basic chemistry of fire; Basic Building Construction and Basic Building Systems; Basic Electricity; Investigative Process; Scene Security; Scene documentation; Evidence collection and preservation; Debris removal and scene reconstruction; Origin and Cause Analysis; Explosion dynamics; Vehicle fires.
OFMEM Annual Spring Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
June 2-June 6, 2014
5-day training seminar covering topics including Integrated Risk Module and Vulnerable Occupancies; Emotional Survival For Law Enforcement (Dr. Gilmartin); OFC transition to NFPA; Review of changes to NFPA 921; Fire Dynamics and Heat Release Rate Calculations – Four 12×12 burn cells were evaluated for fuel load and ventilation conditions. Calculations estimating required heat energy to cause flashover were conducted; and a hypotheses on fire development and spread were articulated. The four cells were then ignited and conditions allowed to develop for 90 seconds past flashover (600°C) or 15 minutes. Each cell then evaluated and compared to hypotheses.
OFMEM Training
Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst
May 26, 2014
Live Burn Cell & Vehicle Tests
Presented by OFMEM Personnel
Conduct test burns of 12” x 12” burn cells, each equipped with household furniture. Introduce fire through various means. I.e. Smouldering Cigarette, Volatile Liquid, Application of open flame, Firework material.
Observe fire patterns post-flashover. Evaluate fire patterns to “reverse” engineer the fire.
Vehicle fire involving the intentional application of open flame to combustible material placed within the vehicle. Evaluate the resulting fire patterns.
OFMEM Block Training, Midhurst
December 2, 2013 to February 18, 2014
Topics included: Corporate Office and Vehicle Administration. Practical and theoretical training in Basic Fire Chemistry; Basic Fire Dynamics; Basic Explosion Dynamics; Scientific Method; Origin Determination; Cause Determination; Flashover and Ventilation; Scene Management; Fire Scene Safety; Note Taking; Report Writing; Digital Photography; Fire Protection and Prevention Act; The Ontario Fire Code; Fire Safety Issues; Predominant Purpose and Incident Command. Lessons were presented both in a classroom and on scene at fire grounds and through District Office self-study.
CFI Trainer – International Association of Arson Investigators
Online training (0n-going) covering topics related to Fire and Explosion Investigations, including;
- Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator
- NFPA 1033 (Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator)
- The Practical Application of the Relationship between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921
- Explosion Dynamics
- A Ventilation-Focused Approach to the Impact of Building Structures and Systems on Fire Development
- Post Flashover Fires
- Documenting the Event
- Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Modelling
- Managing Complex Fire Scene Investigations
- Fire Investigator Scene Safety
- How First Responders Impact the Fire Investigation
- Electrical Safety
- Fundamentals of Residential Building Construction
- Understanding Fire through the Candle Experiments
- The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigation
Police Related Training
Police Officer from 1977 to 2006
Received all relevant basic and advanced training for assigned duties and responsibilities including:
- General and Advanced Patrol Techniques
- Criminal Intelligence
- Major Case Management
- Fugitive Investigations
- Police Supervision
- Mobile Surveillance
- Domestic Violence
- Assault against Women
- Coach Officer Training
- Non-verbal Communication
- Armed Encounter Training
