Background
Mr. Joseph Filas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Safety Technology with an emphasis in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation from Eastern Kentucky University. He is a Certified Fire Investigator with motor vehicle endorsement (CFI [V]) through the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators, and a Certified Fireplace Inspector (CFI) through Fireplace Investigation, Research, and Education. He has been recognized as an expert, in both state and federal courts, and has extensive trial and deposition testimony experience.
Mr. Filas has been responsible for the direct management of over 2,000 assignments investigating and analyzing the origin and cause of fire and explosions related to residential and commercial structures, automobiles, heavy and agriculture equipment, and oil and gas operations. He is compliant with the Job Performance Requirements (JPR) set forth by NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator; has extensive experience with the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) 921, Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigations; and is knowledgeable with the standard practices regarding fire investigation methodology, fire pattern analysis, fire and explosion dynamics analysis, and evidence collection procedures. He has considerable experience interviewing witnesses and collaborating with responding firefighters, state and federal agencies, and other pertinent third-party organizations. His professional experience includes an understanding of building and fire codes and the relation between codes and construction that can contribute to the cause and spread of a fire.
Mr. Filas has expansive knowledge of fireplace and chimney systems, hearth industry accessories, venting products for heat-producing appliances, required manufacturer installation requirements and associated building codes, and code-required inspections of solid and gas fuel-burning appliances. His consulting expertise includes the evaluation of commercial kitchen cooking equipment, fire suppression systems, exhaust ducts and fans, and code-required inspections and cleaning services.
Mr. Filas is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the International Association of Arson Investigators (Colorado Chapter), and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). He has developed and presented training courses, including live-burn demonstrations, related to fire investigations for adjusters, law firms, and manufacturers.
Education and Certifications
- Fire and Safety Technology, B.S.: Eastern Kentucky University (1999)
- Certified Fireplace Inspector (CFI): Fireplace, Investigation, Research, and Education Service (2008)
- Certified Fire Investigator (CFI [V]): International Association of Arson Investigators (2006)
- Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI): National Association of Fire Investigators (1999)
- Licensed Private Detective/Investigator: Arizona, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington
Publications
- “The Modern Fireplace: The Complexity of Factory-Built Fireplace Fire Investigations.” Colorado Claims, Volume 8, Number 2, July 2010, pp. 1-4.
- “Factory-Built Fireplace Fires: Why the Cozy Fire Goes Awry.” Property & Liability Resource Bureau: Test Your Claims Knowledge, 2013.