Mr. 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 (CFI), with motor vehicle endorsement, with the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) with the National Association of Fire Investigators, and a Certified Fireplace Inspector (CFI) with 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.

He has been responsible for the direct management of over 1,700 assignments investigating and analyzing the origin and cause of fire and explosions related to residential and commercial properties, automobiles, heavy equipment, and in the oil and gas industry. 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 knowledgeable on standard practices regarding fire investigation methodology, fire science, fire dynamics, and evidence collection procedures. 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. He has considerable experience interviewing witnesses and working collaboratively with responding firefighters, state and federal agencies, and other pertinent third-party organizations.

Additionally, Mr. Filas has expansive knowledge of fireplace and chimney construction and associated building codes, manufacturer-required installation procedures/instructions related to factory built-fireplaces and heating appliances, and code-required inspections of existing fireplaces and chimneys.

Mr. Filas is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), International Association of Arson Investigators (Colorado Chapter), and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).

• 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: Arizona

• Licensed Private Investigator: Montana, Nevada, Texas, and Washington