The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) is pleased to invite you to share information about an upcoming specialized training opportunity that we believe will be of significant interest to professionals in the fire investigation and related industries.

We are hosting a comprehensive 2-day course titled: “Commercial Kitchen Fires: A Practical Approach to Systems Design, Evaluation, & Documentation with an Eye Toward Claims & Litigation.”

This in-depth training will be held at the Eastern Kentucky University, Fire & Safety Engineering Technology Program, Ashland, Inc. Fire & Safety Laboratory (901 McKinney Skills Drive, Richmond, KY 40475) on June 3-4, 2025.

The course will feature insights from a distinguished panel of instructors:

• William “Chip” Barnhart, III, IAAI-FIT®, IAAI-ECT®
  Barnhart Consulting Services
• William “Bill” Almon, IAAI-CFI®
  Reliant Fire Service, LLC
• David E. Bridges, Esq. IAAI-CFI, IAAI-CI
  Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.

We are also grateful for the support of our Site Hosts:

• Gregory E. Gorbett, PhD, IAAI-CFI
  Eastern Kentucky University, Fire & Safety Engineering Technology Program
• William D. Hicks, Ed.D, IAAI-CFI
  Eastern Kentucky University, Department of Fire Protection & Paramedicine Sciences

Course Overview:

This practical course is designed to enhance the knowledge and training of public and private sector fire and explosion investigation professionals in documenting and evaluating the role of commercial kitchen ventilation (CKV) and pre-engineered commercial fire suppression systems (FSS) in forensic fire scene investigations.

Key topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to Commercial Kitchen Systems Design
• Investigative Disciplines & Methodology
• Commercial Fire Suppression, Hood, Duct, Exhaust, & Ventilation Systems Documentation & Evaluation
• The Cast of Characters & Recurring Themes
• Employee Vetting, Selection, & Training
• Qualifications, Certification, & Competency
• The Service Professional-Customer Relationship
• Industry Standards, Recommended Guidelines, & Best Practices
• Service Visit Documentation
• Drawing the Line with Collateral Hazards
• Loss Notifications & Demands
• Spoliation
• The Team Approach for Commercial Kitchen Fire Investigations
• Expert Challenges

Course Description:

As the number of commercial restaurant fires and associated claims and lawsuits continues to rise, it is crucial for fire investigation professionals to possess the expertise to thoroughly investigate incidents involving CKV and FSS systems. This interactive classroom and applied learning course, hosted by the IAAI, will provide attendees with an overview of best practices for evaluating and documenting the role of these systems and their components in an incident. Participants will gain a greater understanding of common terminology, system operation, basic investigative and documentation methodologies, and the application of relevant industry standards and guidelines.

We believe this training offers a valuable opportunity for professionals in our shared network to enhance their skills and knowledge in this critical area. We encourage you to share this information with your members and relevant contacts.

Details regarding registration are provided below. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have any initial questions.

Register Now!