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Forensic fire investigations
We understand the disruption, uncertainty and financial implications that follow a fire. Our role is to establish the origin and cause of the incident through a thorough, scientific and objective investigation, providing clear findings to assist clients and claims professionals in assessing and determining the circumstances of a loss.
We respond swiftly, investigate thoroughly and deliver reports promptly, always operating with integrity.
Origin & cause investigations
We conduct forensic origin and cause investigations across a wide range of properties, industries and assets:
NFPA 921 — the scientific method
Our investigations follow the scientific methodology prescribed by NFPA 921 – Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
Through systematic scene examinations, evidence assessment and objective analysis, we establish findings that assist clients, insurers and loss adjusters in understanding how a fire occurred and determining the relevant facts surrounding a claim.
IGNIS offers specialist accelerant detection services through our certified K-9 team. These specially trained canines assist investigators in identifying potential ignitable liquid residues at fire scenes, providing an additional investigative resource where required.
We understand that delays can affect claims assessments, repairs and the financial recovery process.
We aim to deliver comprehensive investigation reports within 72 hours of our scene inspection, subject to any outstanding information or documentation required to complete the report.
We provide professional forensic investigations at competitive rates, without compromising the quality or integrity of our work.
Our standard-rate pricing structure is not based on hourly billing. Contact us to request our pricing structure or discuss the requirements of a specific investigation.
IGNIS Assessing Services
Professional Assessments. Accurate Valuations. Fair Claims Outcomes.
Launching January 2027IGNIS Assessing Services provides professional insurance claim assessments for insurers and claims professionals, combining detailed inspections, objective evaluation and accurate quantification of loss to support informed claims decisions.
We understand the importance of establishing the facts, identifying the cause of an incident and determining the true extent of the resulting damage. Our approach is thorough, impartial and focused on providing clear, evidence-based reports that assist insurers in handling claims efficiently and fairly.
1Appointment from insurance company
2Inspection of damage and/or arrangements for emergency repair
3Compiling of report and necessary quotations
4Submission of report to the insurance company with recommendations
Clarity and confidence throughout the claims process
Our Commitment. At IGNIS, we believe effective claims assessment requires accuracy, objectivity, transparency and attention to detail. Our aim is to provide insurers and claims professionals with dependable assessments that support fair indemnification, informed decision-making and an efficient claims process.
For service enquiries and appointment requests, please contact our team.
- 01Incident and Cause Assessment
We investigate the circumstances surrounding a claimed event, establish the relevant facts and assess the cause of the loss, including whether it relates to an insured peril under the applicable policy.
- 02Damage Assessment and Quantification
We inspect and evaluate damaged property, assets, equipment and other affected items to establish the extent of the loss and calculate the associated claim value, supported by relevant quotations, estimates and documentation.
- 03Policy and Coverage Review
We consider the relevant policy wording, conditions, exclusions, excesses, endorsements and extensions to assist in determining how the loss relates to the available cover.
- 04Claims Reporting and Recommendations
We compile clear, detailed assessment reports outlining our findings, the cause and extent of the loss, the calculated quantum and recommendations to assist the insurer in determining an appropriate claims outcome.
- 05Cost Evaluation
We review repair estimates, replacement costs and other supporting expenses for reasonableness and relevance to the damage claimed, helping ensure that the assessed amount is supported by the available evidence and applicable policy terms.
3D rendering
At IGNIS, we utilize the cutting-edge Leica BLK360 laser scanner to enhance our ability to assess and document buildings and domestic residences.
This innovative technology enables us to provide highly detailed layouts of properties and accurately depict the extent of damage. The data captured by the Leica BLK360 can serve as invaluable evidence in court trials, adding credibility and precision to our findings. From now on, this advanced scanning service will be incorporated into all our claims, with the exception of vehicle-related cases.
Key advantages for forensic fire investigations include its ability to capture comprehensive 3D visualizations of fire-damaged scenes, its efficiency in collecting data without disturbing evidence, and its accuracy in reconstructing events. This technology reinforces our commitment to delivering meticulous, professional, and reliable results.
Pre- and post-fire compliance
We provide professional fire compliance assessments both as a standalone service and in conjunction with forensic fire investigations.
Our assessments evaluate relevant fire safety and building compliance requirements in accordance with SANS 10400 Part T, helping establish the compliance status of a building before or following a fire incident.
Where a compliance assessment forms part of a forensic fire investigation, we provide a separate, detailed report to distinguish compliance findings from the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.
Our assessments identify relevant non-compliance issues and consider whether these may have contributed to the development or spread of the fire. The findings provide property owners, insurers and loss adjusters with valuable information to support claims assessments, risk evaluation and decisions regarding remedial action.
Community Outreach
Information Seminars
We are committed to actively supporting community outreach programs. We are passionate about teaching people and children to recognize fire hazards and equipping them with knowledge on what steps to take in the event of a fire.
Teaching people and children to recognize fire hazards, and what steps to take in the event of a fire.
In addition, we offer engaging seminars and informative sessions for insurance companies. These sessions provide insights into the intricacies of fire investigations.
Please note that these sessions are intended purely as informational and should not be considered formal courses.
We are always here to assist! Feel free to reach out to us for any of these services.
African Association of Fire Investigators
Advancing Professional Standards in Fire Investigation.
The African Association of Fire Investigators (AAFI), also known as Chapter 66 of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), is dedicated to advancing the professionalism, knowledge and standards of fire and arson investigation across Africa.
AAFI is committed to:
Encouraging high levels of competence, integrity and best practice in fire and arson investigations.
Supporting the development and sharing of investigative techniques, scientific knowledge and industry expertise.
Promoting training, professional development and greater recognition of the role of fire investigation in identifying and investigating suspected arson.
Creating opportunities for professionals to exchange knowledge, share experience and contribute to the continued development of the industry.
AAFI offers different membership categories to recognise individuals' involvement, professional standing and contributions to the field of fire investigation.
- Associate
- Member (M-AAFI)
- Life Member
- Fellow (F-AAFI)
Subject to the Association's membership requirements and approval processes. Members are expected to uphold the Association's Code of Ethics and contribute to the professional standards it promotes.
Our involvement with AAFI reflects IGNIS's commitment to ongoing professional development, industry collaboration and the advancement of reliable, scientific fire investigation practices.
We believe that continued learning, shared expertise and high professional standards are essential to maintaining the integrity and quality of fire investigations.
Learn more about the African Association of Fire Investigators:
AAFI official website — link coming soonMeet our team
IGNIS Forensic Fire Investigations and Prevention (Pty) Ltd provides professional, cost-effective fire investigation, fire compliance and specialist forensic services to private clients, insurance companies and loss adjusters.
With over 90 years of combined experience across firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical assistance and forensic investigations, we combine practical experience with scientific methodology to establish facts, assess evidence and deliver reliable findings.
Our services include origin and cause investigations for both fire and explosion events, K-9 accelerant detection, fire compliance assessments, insurance assessing and expert technical support and expert witness for legal proceedings.
At IGNIS, we understand the urgency and financial impact that follow a fire. We are committed to responding promptly, investigating thoroughly, reporting clearly and conducting every assignment with professionalism, objectivity and integrity.
Investigations & audits completed for
Investigation clients
- Insurance companies
- Loss adjusters
- Private clients
- Legal representatives
Reports & outputs
- Advice to clients / lawyers
- Summary report for internal use
- Comprehensive report for litigation
- Expert testimony
- Root cause analysis
They follow the scent. We follow the evidence.
Not everything at a fire scene is visible. Sometimes, the smallest clue can make a significant difference.
At IGNIS, our specialist K-9 detection team works alongside our forensic investigators to assist in identifying potential ignitable liquid residues and locating evidence that may otherwise go undetected.
K-9 detection is not exclusively for suspected arson. It can be valuable in a wide range of fire and explosion investigations, including incidents involving insurance claims, disputed causes of fire and potential criminal proceedings.
Our dogs help investigators identify areas of interest for further examination and targeted evidence collection, including samples for laboratory analysis. Their indications are investigative leads that must be evaluated alongside the scene findings, physical evidence and scientific analysis.
Three highly trained canine specialists
Opal
- Breed
- German Shepherd · Female · Black
- Born
- 5 July 2022
- Assessed
- October 2024
- Handler
- Martin Le Roux
- Training
- Canine Solutions South Africa
- Personality
- When she gets quiet, we know she is doing something she shouldn't — total beach and water lover.
Gypsi
- Breed
- Belgian Malinois · Female · Brown
- Born
- 24 July 2018
- Assessed
- 14 August 2022
- Handler
- MJ Steenkamp
- Training
- Canine Solutions South Africa
- Personality
- Needs a 5-minute pep talk to get out of the car to work. Loves attention, hugs and kisses.
Halo
- Breed
- German Shepherd · Female · Black
- Born
- 27 August 2017
- Discipline
- Fire / arson accelerant substance detection
- Assessed
- 28 February 2020 · K9 Revelation Services
- Handler
- Worked with Thys Steenkamp
- Training
- Canine Solutions South Africa
May-B
- Status
- Currently in training
- Joining
- 2026
- Handler
- Thys Steenkamp
Meet the team at work
How accelerant detection works
Choose a substance, then walk through a search. An illustrative simulation of the process our K-9 team follows on scene.
Simulation for illustration only. Findings on a real scene are always confirmed by laboratory analysis.
Our K-9 team can assist with a variety of investigative tasks
Searching fire scenes across residential, commercial, industrial and other occupancy types.
Examining vehicles and other affected assets for potential ignitable liquid residues.
Searching surrounding areas for potential evidence, including discarded items that may be relevant to an investigation.
Identifying locations where targeted fire debris sampling may be warranted for laboratory analysis.
Searching investigative equipment and tools before and after scene examinations.
Whether a fire involves a private residence, a commercial property, an industrial facility or a vehicle, identifying potential ignitable liquid residues can help investigators develop and test possible explanations for what happened.
For insurers and loss adjusters, this can provide an additional investigative resource when assessing complex or disputed claims. For private clients and legal representatives, it can help ensure that relevant evidence is considered during an investigation.
At IGNIS, our K-9 team forms part of a broader scientific investigation process, supporting thorough, objective and evidence-led findings.
Have a fire or explosion investigation that requires specialist detection? Contact IGNIS to discuss how our K-9 team can assist.
Talk to an investigator
Swift response matters — delays can cost evidence and cause financial prejudice. Call us directly or send the details below.
