Investigation of vehicle fires requires expertise in fire dynamics to determine the origin, cause, and factors that contributed to the event. Vehicle fires can stem from a variety of common causes that include faulty equipment or systems, electrical shorts, and collisions. To further complicate investigations, post-fire evaluations often involve assessing heavily damaged vehicles, which leaves minimal evidence for determining the fire’s origin and cause.

Our investigators meticulously document fire scenes to identify ignition sources and fire patterns. They collect debris samples, residues, and other materials for analysis, and interview witnesses to gather information about the events leading up to the fire. This thorough approach helps ensure a comprehensive understanding of the fire’s causes. By collaborating with our team of mechanical and electrical experts, Rimkus fire investigators also consider recent vehicle repairs or installations that might have contributed to the fire when identifying root causes of vehicle fires and explosions.

Understanding what happened in an electric vehicle (EV) fire presents additional unique challenges due to the flammable nature of lithium-ion batteries. Investigating EV fires involves analyzing the vehicle’s battery system, electrical components, and electronic data to determine the fire’s origin and cause.

Rimkus fire experts are trained and experienced in the evaluation of electric vehicle fires. We apply specialized knowledge to provide detailed analyses that help identify potential manufacturing defects, maintenance issues, or external factors that may have contributed to the incident.