Mr. Smith is a Forensic Fire Investigator specializing in fire investigations, failure analysis, cause determination and incident reconstruction matters. His specialties include residential, commercial, vehicle, and death related fire scene examinations. He is knowledgeable about standard practices regarding fire scene excavation, evidence collection and chain of custody, as well as fire protection systems, including building fire sprinkler system and cooking fire suppression systems. Mr. Smith is a licensed Private Investigator in Oregon and Washington. He has also conducted fire investigations in the
States of Alaska and Hawaii during his career conducting independent fire scene exams. Mr. Smith has over 10 years experience in the private sectors and over 33 years experience in the Oregon Fire Service ranging from Firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal/Division Chief and Fire Chief. During Mr. Smith career in the Oregon Fire Service he also served as a Reserve Sergeant with the Oregon City Police Department, A Special Deputy with Marion County Sheriff’s Office and as a member of the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Homicide Assault Response Team (HEART Team) Mr. Smith currently assists clients with fire scene analysis, evidence collection/examination and litigation support. He has presented multiple time to OCAA, IASIU, Portland Chapter IAAI, Fire Restoration Companies, Insurance Professional of Oregon, Clackamas Fire, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Academy and different Fire Agencies throughout the State of Oregon. Mr. Smith is a Navy Veteran and served in the Oregon Army National Guard and Oregon Air Guard as a Firefighter at the Portland, Oregon Airbase. His other interests include bicycling and gardening.
Project Highlights:
- Villebois Community Fire, Wilsonville, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Four Story Condominium Unit Fire 2019.
- Robert Ball Companies, Portland, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Natural Gas Explosion with Fire 2016.
- Sundance Marina, Portland, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Commercial Boat Storage Building Fire 2016.
- South Albany High School, Albany, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, High School Fire 2015.
- Golden Poles Chalet, Government Camp Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Thirty Unit Condominium Fire 2015.
- Y Hospitality, Welches, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Commercial Resort Fire 2015.
- Loprinzi, Rhododendron, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Several Residential and Commercial Fires 2014.
- Davtian, Stayton, Oregon, Lead Fire Investigator, Residential Fire 2011 and Federal Trail 2013.