Summit Forensic Consulting
Trusted Specialists in Fire and Explosion Investigation.
Precision. Integrity. Expertise.
Summit Forensic Consulting is an independent firm specializing in fire and explosion origin and cause analysis. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we deliver industry-leading forensic services at competitive rates—backed by unmatched customer service and technical precision.
Where Evidence and Expertise Align
Our team of certified experts approaches every assignment with objectivity and rigor, letting the evidence speak for itself. Whether the loss is large or small, our investigations are conducted in strict accordance with the latest editions of:
NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
NFPA 1033: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
Accepted principles of fire investigation and analysis
We apply the Scientific Method of Investigation—collecting and analyzing data from diverse sources, developing and testing hypotheses, and reaching conclusions grounded in facts.
Certified. Credentialed. Court-Tested.
Our investigators are licensed and registered in states where required, and hold certifications and credentials including:
IAAI-CFI: Certified Fire Investigator
IAAI-CFI (V): Motor Vehicle Fire Investigator
CFEI: Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
FAA Licensed sUAS pilot
They have qualified and testified as expert witnesses in both state and federal courts, supporting origin and cause opinions with clarity and credibility.
Technology-Driven Accuracy
We leverage advanced tools such as Matterport 3D scene documentation and sUAS aerial photography to ensure precise data capture and comprehensive analysis. Every investigation is backed by professional liability insurance, with Certificates of Insurance available upon request.
At Summit Forensic Consulting, we stand behind our findings—because accuracy isn’t just our standard, it’s our promise.
-
Expert origin and cause analysis for residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicular losses.
-
Detailed assessment and documentation of damaged or destroyed contents to support claims and recovery.
-
Objective evaluations to support recovery efforts and legal strategy in complex claims.
-
Collaboration with forensic engineers and accredited labs for analysis, material testing, and evidence validation.
-
Specialized training programs designed to elevate investigative proficiency and industry knowledge. Our seminars are tailored to meet the needs of insurance professionals, legal teams, and fire investigators, with content grounded in real-world experience. Topics include: live burn demonstrations, fire origin and cause investigation; physical evidence identification, collection and preservation; spoliation; subrogation; motor vehicle and heavy equipment investigations.
Comprehensive Expertise. Trusted Results.
Learn about our services
Team LEAD / Principal
Experienced. Objective.
Committed to Truth.
At Summit Forensic Consulting, our team is composed of highly trained professionals with extensive backgrounds in fire and explosion investigations, public safety, and insurance claims. This unique blend of expertise allows us to approach each case with both technical precision and real-world insight.
Our public safety experience gives us a firsthand understanding of how various factors influence fire behavior—from ignition to full development. This perspective provides a distinct advantage when reconstructing fire scenes and developing evidence-based hypotheses about the sequence of events that led to the loss.
Every investigation is approached without bias or preconceived conclusions. We let the evidence speak for itself, applying the Scientific Method and adhering strictly to the standards outlined in the latest edition of NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
We hope you will find our honesty and integrity somewhat refreshing.
Steve Forren
IAAI-CFI(V), CFEI
Steve is a seasoned private-sector forensic fire investigator with over 25 years of experience in origin and cause analysis for fires and explosions involving structures, vehicles, heavy equipment, and marine craft. His investigative approach is grounded in scientific methodology, field-tested expertise, and a commitment to objective, evidence-based conclusions.
With 16 years of fire service experience and 14 years in leadership roles, including Field Supervisor, Territorial Manager, and District Manager for a national forensic firm—Steve brings both operational insight and strategic oversight to every assignment.
Steve has conducted investigations across a wide range of complex cases, including: criminal arson investigations, fires in single and multi-family complexes, commercial properties, environmental crimes, multi-million-dollar losses, liability defense cases, subrogation cases, and incidents involving multiple fatalities and/or serious bodily injury. He has testified in depositions and courts of law relating to origin and cause investigations.
Investigation specialties include, but are not limited to: Residential Properties, Multi-family apartment complexes, Commercial Properties, Industrial facilities, Recreational Vehicles (RV), Agricultural Equipment, Heavy Equipment, Marine Craft, and Vehicles.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
assignments@sfc-fire.com
Phone
(678) 630-9721