Specializing in structural fires and explosions, Mike’s professional experience includes 16 years as a fire investigator with the Ontario Fire Marshal, 9 years as an Attorney General investigator, and 14 years as a police officer, attaining the rank of Detective. During his career, he has investigated 1,575 fire and explosion occurrences, including 136 fatal fires and 61 gaseous explosions. Mike’s areas of expertise include advanced fire investigation and origin and cause determination. He is trained in post-blast explosion scene investigations as well as gas and electrical appliance fires. Mike has been declared an expert witness at all levels of the criminal and civil justice system.
Fire and Explosion Investigator
OCI Group
Burlington, ON
2013 – Present
Conducted fire scene examinations to determine origin and cause
Collected, preserved, and documented critical evidence
Interviewed witnesses and involved parties to support investigative findings
Prepared detailed investigative reports outlining conclusions and analysis
Fire and Explosion Investigator
Office of the Fire Marshal
1997 – 2013
A/Director of Investigations
Ontario Police Commission, Ministry of the Attorney General
1988 – 1997
Detective
Criminal Investigations Department, South Wales Police Service
1973 – 1987
Training Presentation: “3 Most Common Structure Fires”
Presented by OCI Group
October 2019
Lecture: “Confirmation & Expectation Bias” in Fire Investigations
Ontario Fire College
October 2011
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Ontario Fire College
October 2004
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Greater Sudbury Fire and Police Services
June 2004
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Norfolk County Fire & Police Services
October 2003
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst
July 2002
Presentation: “Fire Crime Detection”
Chatham-Kent Fire & Police Services
November 2001
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Chatham-Kent Fire & Police Services
September 2001
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Middlesex County Fire & Police Services
May 2001
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Perth County Fire & Police Services
October 2001
Course: “Fire Cause Determination”
Lambton County Fire & Police Services
March 2001