What the work includes

Examination uses official inquiry materials, documents, photographs, statements, diagrams, records and reports, with inspection of the property or individual items where necessary.

  • analysis of EMERCOM, insurance, court or investigation materials;
  • examination of burn signs and thermal damage;
  • assessment of possible technical hypotheses of ignition;
  • comparison of documents, photographs, statements and damage;
  • preparation of an opinion or review in a form clear to the court.

Typical questions

  • where the fire origin was located;
  • what the most likely fire cause was;
  • whether the fire could have started from wiring or equipment;
  • whether the earlier report’s findings match the case materials;
  • whether there are signs of fire safety breaches.

The fire cause is established from combined data on the origin area, ignition source, combustible environment and incident development. A charred object or a participant’s hypothesis does not by itself determine the cause.

Subject of examination

  • Fire scene inspection materials
  • Damage, proposed sources and the combustible environment
  • Chronology, recordings and technical documents

Sample questions for the expert

  • Which causal hypotheses can be tested using the materials?
  • What signs support or contradict each hypothesis?
  • Are the data on origin and ignition conditions sufficient?
  • What additional items or examinations are needed?

The final questions are formulated according to the objects and circumstances of the particular task.

What to prepare

  • Inspection materials, pre-clearing photographs and diagrams
  • Equipment operating and power supply documents
  • Recordings and information on discovery and firefighting times
  • Existing opinions and information about recovered items

How the examination is conducted

Hypotheses are compared with the scene, timing and established fire development mechanism. The opinion explains which signs are causally significant and which may have arisen later.

Scope and limitations

The feasibility and procedure for a court examination are checked against the type of proceedings and applicable restrictions. Incomplete photographs may make a categorical conclusion impossible. Fire examination does not include load testing of the electrical supply intake.

What the deliverable records

The findings provide a reasoned assessment of tested hypotheses, the degree of certainty and a list of significant missing data.

Cost and terms

from RUB 80,000. The exact cost depends on the property, materials, need for a visit and number of questions.

A materials package for testing a technical hypothesis

Fire materials are best organised by source and time obtained. Keep original photographs, discovery and firefighting records, inspection reports, equipment technical documents and existing opinions separately. Information produced after restoration must not replace the initial records.

For each hypothesis, identify facts that support it, facts that contradict it and data still missing. Lack of support for one hypothesis is not in itself positive proof of another. Distinguish an established ignition mechanism from an assumption that remains technically possible because materials are insufficient.

What helps link documents to the property

  • A room plan identifying equipment, furniture, openings and building services.
  • Numbered overall and detailed damage photographs linked to the plan.
  • Equipment operation before the incident: load, repairs, complaints and shutdowns.
  • Available timing records for discovery, scene changes and firefighting actions.
  • An inventory of surviving items with provenance and transfer details.

Focus an expert question on a specific check: does the hypothesis fit the damage locations; are the device operation data sufficient; which alternative explanations require assessment? Legal liability must not be inferred solely from the location of a damaged appliance. If documentary examination cannot yield a definite conclusion, identify the precise evidential gap preventing it.