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About Us
EFI Global offers a specialised Vehicle Fire Investigation Service that focuses on determining the causes of fires in both petrol and diesel vehicles, with a strong emphasis on the investigation of electric vehicle fires and hybrid vehicle investigations.
This service is led by Stephen Elliott.
Stephen Elliott AAE, MIMI4, MIAAI, IAAI FIT (V)
Stephen began his career as a soldier, joining the British Army and serving for 10 years in the Royal Engineers. In 2001, he joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue at the county’s specialist hazardous materials station, later transferring to the London Fire Brigade in 2006, where he oversaw operations at some of the busiest stations in the capital.
As a qualified full-time Fire Investigation Officer, he has investigated numerous complex fire scenes and conducted multiple fatal fire investigations, which include vehicle fires, domestic properties, and commercial properties. He has extensive experience in investigating combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicle fires, providing evidence in criminal courts, coroners' courts, and the Old Bailey Central Criminal Court in London.
Having earned the Skills for Justice Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation and a Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice, Stephen became a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), qualifying as an IAAI Fire Investigation Technician and holding the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Credential. He has completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course and the Park Lodge International Dedicated Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course, where he now serves as an instructor. Additionally, he guest lectures on the forensic module at Cranfield University's forensic investigation course.
As an Advanced Automotive Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) with Vehicle Engineering Endorsement, Stephen holds the IMI Level 1 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.
Stephen completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course in Nenagh, Ireland, where he now tutors, and he also teaches at the Park Lodge Dedicated Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course in Oslo, Norway.
Working on and around electric vehicles, especially in the context of electric vehicle fires, is a dangerous task that must only be performed by qualified individuals. Please do not be tempted to touch any high voltage systems without the correct training, rated tools, and personal protective equipment, as improper handling can complicate fire investigation services and hybrid vehicle investigations.
Stephen formed Rotae vehicle fire investigations, now known as EFI Global, after gaining 23 years of experience in the Fire Services. His extensive background includes several years of research, studying, national and international courses, as well as hands-on experience in fire investigation services, particularly focusing on Electric vehicle fires and Hybrid vehicle investigations. By collaborating with various companies, agencies, groups, and subject matter experts, Rotae VFI ensures access to the most up-to-date and accurate information in the field. This valuable knowledge is shared among these experts, as Rotae VFI recognizes that with the rapidly evolving world of vehicle technology, investigators must continually adapt to stay ahead of the curve.
Teaching / Instructing
Sharing Knowledge
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build extensive experience in vehicle fire investigation, including electric vehicle fires and hybrid vehicle investigations. I've worked on everything from passenger cars to commercial fleets, applying the principles of NFPA 921 and methodologies from trusted sources. Today, I leverage that foundation to provide fire investigation services and educate a wide range of professionals across the industry. I collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, engineers, insurers, and the public sector, helping them understand the complexities of fire origin and cause, as well as failure analysis.
Practical training
I specialise in the instruction of the practical applications of fire investigation services, 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, including specific techniques for electric vehicle fires and hybrid vehicle investigations. 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 accidental and 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 in fire investigation services, 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 services 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 vehicle fires and hybrid vehicle investigations. 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.