Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
About Us
Rotae is a dedicated Vehicle Fire Investigation Service. We investigate the cause of fires in Petrol and Diesal vehicles, specialising in the investigation of Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
Rotae was founded by Stephen Elliott
Stephen Elliott AAE, MIMI4, MIAAI, IAAI FIT (V)
Stephen started his working life as a soldier, joining the British Army and serving 10 years in the Royal Engineers. In 2001 he joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue based at the county’s specialist Hazardous materials station, then transferred to London Fire Brigade in 2006 as an officer overseeing some of the busiest stations within the capital.
As a qualified full time, Fire Investigation Officer, he has investigated several complex fire scenes and carried out multiple Fatal Fire investigations including vehicles, domestic properties, and commercial properties. He has investigated multiple combustion engine vehicle, hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle fires, given evidence in Criminal courts, Coroners courts and the Old Bailey Central Criminal in Central London.
Having completed the Skills for Justice Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation and a Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice, he then became a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) qualifying as an IAAI Fire Investigation Technician also holding the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Credential. Having completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course and the Park Lodge International Dedicated Electric / Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course, he is now an instructor on both of these courses and guest lectures on the forensic module at Cranfield university forensic investigation course.
As an Advanced Automotive Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) with Vehicle Engineering Endorsement he holds the IMI Level1 award in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology, Level 2 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel, Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement and Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric / Hybrid vehicles and components. He is also a registered Tech Safe IMI Electric and Hybrid technician as per the IMI register.
He completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course In Nenagh, Ireland , which he now tutors and tutors at the Park Lodge dedicated Electric / Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course in Oslo, Norway.
Working on and around these vehicles is a dangerous task and must only be done by qualified people.
Please do not be tempted to touch any high voltage systems without the correct training, rated tools and personal protective equipment.
Rotae was formed after 23 years experience in the Fire Services, several years of research, studying, national and international courses and hands on experience of the investigation of vehicles and specialising in Electric and Hybrid investigations. Whilst teaming up with other companies agencies, groups and subject matter experts to gain the most up to date and accurate information and knowledge. This knowledge is shared amongst these groups and subject matter experts. Rotae VFI believes that with the rapidly developing world of vehicle technology, the investigator needs to develop to keep ahead of this curve.
Teaching / Instructing
Sharing Knowledge
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build extensive experience in vehicle fire investigation—working on everything from passenger cars to commercial fleets, applying the principles of NFPA 921 and methodologies from trusted sources. Today, I use that foundation to support and educate a wide range of professionals across the industry. I work with vehicle manufacturers, engineers, insurers, and the public sector, helping them understand the complexities of fire origin and cause, failure analysis
Practical training
I specialise in instruction of the practical applications of fire investigation, with a focus on real-world skills grounded in NFPA 921 and the scientific method. My instructional approach emphasises hands-on learning to equip investigators with the tools they need to accurately determine the origin and cause of a fire. Through structured scene analysis, students learn to identify burn patterns, evaluate fire dynamics, and document evidence in a systematic and defensible manner.
I place strong emphasis on diagnostic testing, using practical demonstrations and case-based scenarios to help students distinguish between accidentaland intentional fire causes. My curriculum integrates hypothesis testing as a core component, guiding investigators to develop, test, and validate or eliminate possible ignition scenarios based on observable data and scientific reasoning.
Whether instructing new investigators or experienced professionals seeking advanced training, my goal is to instill a disciplined, evidence-based approach that supports accurate, unbiased fire origin and cause determinations.
Theory training
I teach the theoretical foundations of fire investigation with a strong emphasis on safety, scientific principles, and investigative integrity. My courses delve into fire behaviour, combustion chemistry, material response, and forensic analysis—equipping investigators with the knowledge required to interpret fire scenes with clarity and precision.
A critical component of my instruction is teaching how to work safely around mechanically and thermally damaged vehicles, particularly in the context of emerging risks posed by electric vehicles (EVs). Students gain a deep understanding of high-voltage systems, battery failure modes, and post-fire hazards, enabling them to make informed decisions during scene examinations. I emphasise hazard recognition, risk mitigation, and safe scene management to protect investigators, preserve evidence, and prevent secondary incidents.
My mission is to prepare professionals from all backgrounds—whether fire service, Police, engineering, or insurance—to conduct safer, smarter investigations. By combining solid theoretical knowledge with real-world safety protocols, I help ensure the next generation of fire investigators is better equipped to meet the evolving challenges of modern fire scenes.