Petrol and diesel vehicle fire investigations
SPECIALISING IN ELECTRIC AND HYBRID CAR FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
Fire investigation is the analysis of fire-related incidents through the use of fire dynamics. When a fire occurs, investigators must determine where and how the fire started, and whether it was caused accidentally or due to a deliberate act.
For the safety of our friends, family and members of public there is a need to reduce deliberate causes of fires or “arson” which, especially in motor vehicles, is used to destroy evidence following criminal activities including insurance fraud.
There are multiple potential accidental causes of vehicle fires. Any accidental fire started with an ignition point, which needs to be identified to prevent future fires, injuries and to determine liability. Fire investigation is a difficult task, however using a systematic approach, the cause and origin can be identified.
Vehicle Fire investigation is the skill and knowledge to be able to locate and establish the origin and cause of the ignition of the fire and determine how this fire developed. We investigate these vehicle fires to establish if this was:
- Suspected theft of the vehicle.
- Arson / Deliberate ignition.
- Internal Mechanical Fault.
- Defect due to a recall notice.
- To resolve disputes of liability.
- To establish secondary liability.
- Potential repairs failures.
- Hybrid battery failure.
- Full electric battery failure.
- Alternative fuel motor component fault.
- In the case of electric and hybrid vehicles:
Did the battery cause the fire or was the battery involved due to external fire attack?
Vehicle fire investigations are complicated by the nature of the mechanics and the materials used in the manufacturing processes. Each vehicle will contain several flammable liquids all compressed within a confined area. At Rotae we investigate all types of vehicle fires and specialise in the investigation of Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles
Most vehicle fires are unintentionally caused, often by equipment failure. Mechanical failures leaks, electrical short circuits, failure of digital electrical systems, and use of incompatible fuels or fluids. These are all common factors that contribute ignition of vehicle fires. In the vast majority of vehicle fires the fuel used is not the first item ignited. Petrol and Diesel powered vehicles carry a large amount of fuels, flammable liquids, metallic moving parts, electric circuits, sparks, hot surfaces and potential ignition sources. An understanding of these systems, not only when fully functional, but also when fire attacked is paramount for investigators. The ability to recognise vehicle parts and internal components after they have been subjected to heat and fire damage is essential.
Electrics and Hybrids
Alternative fuelled vehicles introduce a new and rapidly changing element into vehicle investigations which come with very unique hazards, Chemical hazards and high-voltage shocks.
With the increased numbers of alternative fuelled vehicles on our roads the numbers of this incidents will increase.
Electrics and Hybrids
There are a large number of reasons a fire can ignite within an electric based vehicle it is not always the case that it was caused by a battery issue.
Each one of the potential causes, including vehicle based components, liquids, fuels and human interactions must be investigated, discounted or further analysis carried out to determine its viability. This can only be achieved by carrying out a thorough investigation by an experienced investigator based upon the scientific method.
Evolving Technology
When it comes to Electric and Hybrid vehicles the technology these vehicles contain is being developed and produced on a daily basis. This isn’t as simple as a motor in a metal box. Vehicles have complex internal electrical and magnetic systems. New technologies such as vehicle to load will expand the market for remote applications. Keeping up to date with these adaptations and changes through continuous research is imperative.
Burn patterns
An experienced investigator will be trained to recognise the patterns left behind after the fire has been extinguished. There are multiple variables which will affect the mechanism of travel of the fire including wind direction, ventilation, ignition location, construction materials just to mention a few. All of this and more must be taken into account with all other gathered information to be able to reach a successful conclusion.
Oxidation
Oxidation patterns (rusting) can make identifying the point of origin difficult. They can set in and disrupt the burn patterns within days or weeks after being exposed to the weather elements such as rain and snow and will rapidly degrade the information they have to offer. The investigator will be trained on how to understand the differance between the burn patterns and oxidisation.
Safety
working with electric vehicles requires specific training.
Working in and around live systems of any vehicle is dangerous and involves specialist training and equipment. Our Technicians are all fully equipped with fully insulated tools that are safe to use on fossil fuel and electric powered vehicles. We use the latest equipment and technology to assist in our investigations to ensure this is carried out to the highest level. This includes thermal imagery, digital photography, borescope cameras, on-site microscopes, Obd system fault scanners and ignitable fluid testing equipment.
Safety is paramount in any investigation. Rotae investigators are trained to the United Kingdom Institute of The Motor Industory standards to work on or around electric batteries and parts to ensure thier safety and the safety of those in the immediate area. Electric and Hybrid vehicles carry high voltage componants and cables, which can cause serious harm. Knowledge and training in these systems is vital. Rotae investigators are fully equipped with Arc Rated PPE and equipment to ensure safe working.