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 CAE, AMIMI MIAAI, IAAI FIT (V) 

He 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 being based at the counties Hazardous materials-based station. In 2006 he transferred to London serving at multiple locations, as an officer he was in charge of some of the busiest stations within the city. 

He is a qualified Fire Investigation Officer carrying out his investigation role on a day to day basis. He has investigated several complex investigations working with a varied range of external agencies and carried out multiple Fatal Fire Investigations. He has carried out investigations including vehicles, domestic properties, and commercial properties. He has investigated combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicle fires. He has given evidence in Criminal courts, Coroners courts and the Old Bailey Central Criminal in London. 

He has completed the Skills for Justice Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation and a Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), qualified as an IAAI, Fire Investigation Technician, holds the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire, Credential Endorsement, Is a member of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and hold the IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement

Level 2 Award inElectric/Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel

Level 1 award in Hydrogen fuel cell technology

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 22 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.