When Evidence Disappears: Spoliation in Fire Investigation
A fire scene cannot be examined without being changed. Debris is moved, objects are repositioned, systems are disconnected, and evidence may be collected or altered during the search for the fire’s origin and cause. But when those changes prevent another party from independently examining important evidence, the investigation can become the subject of a spoliation claim.
In this episode of Following the Flames, Richard O’Connor explores spoliation in fire investigation, including the duty to preserve evidence, the consequences of destructive examination, and the importance of documenting an item’s original location, orientation, connections, and surrounding context.
The episode also examines key legal principles and cases that demonstrate how evidence preservation can affect expert testimony, litigation, and the ability of all parties to evaluate competing hypotheses.
Because in fire investigation, discovering the evidence is only part of the responsibility. Preserving its meaning may be just as important.
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16 Aug 2026
Episode 4; John Lentini
In this episode, I sit down with John Lentini, one of the most respected voices in the field of fire investigation and fire science.
Drawing on decades of experience, John has played an important role in challenging long-held assumptions about how fires are investigated and in advancing a more scientific, evidence-based approach to determining fire origin and cause.
Our conversation explores fire investigation through the lens of experience, science, and the evolution of the profession. We discuss the lessons investigators can learn from the past, the importance of questioning assumptions, and why investigators must remain willing to reconsider their conclusions when the evidence points in a different direction.
For fire investigators, firefighters, attorneys, forensic professionals, or anyone interested in understanding how fire investigation has evolved, this episode offers an opportunity to hear directly from someone who has helped shape the modern profession.
2 May 2026
Where Fire Meets Forensics: Investigating Fatalities with Dr. Elayne Pope
In this episode of Following the Flames, I sit down with Dr. Elayne Pope to explore one of the most complex and challenging areas of fire investigation—fatal fires.
When a fire results in the loss of life, the investigation shifts. It’s no longer just about origin and cause—it becomes a meticulous search for truth on behalf of someone who can no longer speak for themselves. Dr. Pope brings a unique forensic perspective to these cases, helping investigators interpret burn patterns on the human body, differentiate between ante-mortem and post-mortem injuries, and understand how fire interacts with human remains.
We discuss the critical role of scene documentation, the importance of working alongside medical examiners, and how scientific principles—grounded in standards like NFPA 921—guide investigators through emotionally and technically demanding scenes. From heat effects on bone to the reconstruction of final moments, this conversation sheds light on how evidence is preserved, interpreted, and ultimately presented in the pursuit of truth.
This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of fire science and forensic anthropology—where every detail matters, and where even in the aftermath of destruction, the evidence still speaks.
Because even after the fire is out… the truth is still there—if you know how to read the embers.
17 Apr 2026
Fire Science Meets the Fireground – A Conversation with Daniel Madrzykowski
In this episode of Following the Flames, we sit down with renowned fire researcher Dr. Daniel Madrzykowski to explore the critical intersection between fire science and real-world fire investigation.
Dr. Madrzykowski brings decades of experience in fire dynamics, firefighter safety, and fire behavior research. Together, we dive into how modern fire science has reshaped the way investigators interpret fire scenes.
We discuss the evolution of fire investigation, the role of research in improving both firefighter safety and origin-and-cause determinations, and how investigators can better apply scientific principles in the field. This conversation bridges the gap between the lab and the fireground, offering practical insight for investigators, firefighters, and anyone interested in the science behind fire.
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or just beginning your journey, this episode provides a deeper understanding of how fire behaves—and why that matters when it comes to determining the truth.
30 Jul 2025
Inaugural Episode… conversation with Chief Ryan Rivera!!!
Inaugural Episode featuring an interview with Chief Ryan Rivera
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