Joseph R. Filas, IAAI-CFI (V), NAFI-CFEI

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 Vehicle Fire Endorsement (CFI[V]) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), and a Certified Fireplace Inspector (CFI) through Fireplace Investigation, Research, and Education (F.I.R.E.).

Mr. Filas has been qualified as an expert witness in both state and federal courts and has provided expert testimony in more than 27 deposition and trial proceedings involving complex civil and criminal fire investigations. He has directed and conducted more than 2,200 forensic fire and explosion investigations involving residential and commercial structures, motor vehicles, heavy and agricultural equipment, oil and gas operations, commercial cooking operations, code compliance evaluations, product liability claims, and wrongful conviction cases throughout the United States. Mr. Filas has provided litigation support for insurance carriers, manufacturers, and attorneys through the preparation of expert reports, rebuttal reports, affidavits, and technical analyses in support of complex litigation. His experience includes complex product and installation liability litigation, wrongful convictions, code compliance disputes, and cases involving disputed origin and cause determinations.

Mr. Filas has specialized expertise in fireplace and chimney systems, hearth products, grilling products, venting systems, fuel-burning appliances, solid fuel and gas product manufacturer installation requirements, and applicable building and fire codes. He routinely evaluates installation deficiencies, product performance, and code compliance issues as they relate to the origin, cause, and spread of fire.

Mr. Filas meets the Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) established by NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, and applies the scientific methodology outlined in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, in the investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents. His forensic analyses are conducted through the application of the scientific method and routinely incorporate accepted fire investigation methodology, including fire pattern analysis, sequential fire pattern analysis, fire and explosion dynamics analysis, arc mapping analysis, timeline reconstruction and evaluation analyses, witness statement analysis, evidence evaluation and collection procedures, code compliance analysis, burn testing analysis, and the review of fire modeling and fire burn testing performed by other experts. He has considerable experience conducting witness interviews and correlating witness statements with physical evidence, fire dynamics, and scene observations.

Mr. Filas has completed extensive professional education through the IAAI, NAFI, CFITrainer.net, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), SAE International, National Fireplace Institute (NFI), F.I.R.E., and other recognized professional organizations. He has authored technical publications related to factory-built fireplace fire investigations and has developed and presented continuing education programs, technical seminars, and live-burn demonstrations for insurance professionals, attorneys, manufacturers, and fire investigators.

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