Forensic Investigation of Fire & Explosives
Explosion and Fire Expert Witness
Gilmore Engineers provides fire, explosion, and arson expert witness services across Australia, identifying ignition source and reconstructing the pathway of smoke for buildings, machinery, and motor vehicles. Our forensic engineers investigate both accidental fires and suspected arson, delivering independent expert reports and court testimony.
Last updated: August 2026 | Reviewed by: Matt
Forensic Engineer Fire Investigation Experts
Australia Wide Service
Gilmore Engineers are a forensic engineering firm and can provide an expert analysis of fires and explosions affecting buildings, machinery or motor vehicles. Our mechanical engineers will analyse the evidence to identify the ignition source and use computer analysis to reconstruct the pathway of smoke. As a fire cause and origin expert witness we deal with cases that are accidents and those suspected to be arson.
For over 30 years, Gilmore Engineers has been a leader in the investigation and analysis of a variety of different types of incidents. During this time Gilmore Engineers has provided over 1,500 reports to lawyers, members of the legal profession and loss adjusters for matters before District, Supreme and Federal Courts.
Gilmore Engineers will examine the available evidence and give you an initial engineering assessment in the form of a verbal opinion. If necessary, this opinion can be provided in the form of a comprehensive report for the Court. Our experts will then follow through by presenting their evidence to the Court in person on your behalf if required. Gilmore Engineers is a mechanical engineering consultancy firm with fire experience. Contact us if you require fire investigation, forensic investigation of fire & explosives, an arson expert, or a fire cause and origin expert.
- Crane engine fire
- Gas well explosion
- Excavator fire
- Underground mine explosion
- Hotel/backpacker fire
- Car engine fire
- Arson investigations
- Truck engine fire
Is a Fire, Explosion & Arson Expert Witness Right for Your Case?
| Best for | Not ideal for |
|---|---|
| Legal claims involving fire or explosion damage to buildings, machinery, or vehicles Cases requiring determination of ignition source or cause Suspected arson requiring independent technical investigation Court cases requiring an independent expert report and testimony | Fire safety compliance or fire protection system design before an incident has occurred — see our mechanical engineering consulting service instead Insurance claims not requiring technical cause-of-fire investigation |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a fire and explosion expert witness do?
A fire and explosion expert witness — or fire expert — investigates the ignition source and cause of a fire or explosion, examining physical evidence and, where relevant, using computer analysis to reconstruct the pathway of smoke, then provides an independent expert opinion or court report.
2. Do you investigate suspected arson?
Yes. Gilmore Engineers investigates both accidental fires and cases of suspected arson, determining whether a fire was accidental or deliberately lit.
3. What types of fires and explosions do you investigate?
We investigate fires and explosions affecting buildings, machinery, and motor vehicles, including engine fires, gas explosions, workshop and warehouse fires, and mine site incidents.
4. Will the engineer give evidence in Court?
Yes, if required. Our experts present their findings to the Court in person and respond to questions from the judge and barristers for both parties.
5. Do you work outside Brisbane?
Yes. We investigate fires, explosions, and arson Australia-wide, including Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Queensland mining regions.
6. What does a forensic engineer fire investigation involve?
A forensic engineer fire investigation involves examining physical evidence at the scene, identifying the ignition source, and where relevant, using computer modelling to reconstruct how a fire spread, resulting in a written expert report.
7. What is a fire origin expert?
A fire origin expert identifies the specific point and cause where a fire began, which is often central to determining liability or ruling out arson.
Also Known As
This service is also known as: forensic engineer fire investigation, mechanical engineer fire investigation, fire investigation expert witness, fire expert, expert witness fire investigation and fire origin expert. These all describe the same core service — independent investigation into the cause and origin of a fire or explosion.
Fire & Explosions Case Studies
Prime Mover Fire
A prime mover caught fire while travelling on the Pacific Motorway Queensland. The fire caused substantial damage to the vehicles’ engine compartment and cabin. Our engineer inspected the vehicle to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Gas Well Explosion
A major gas leak occurred at a gas well in North Queensland. The gas ignited, and the resulting explosion caused the death of a worker. Our engineer inspected the diesel generators in the vicinity of the gas leak and identified the ignition source of the explosion.
Crane Engine Fire
A mobile crane caught fire while driving between sites, causing it a high level of damage. Our engineer investigated the fire initiation and drew attention to the engine turbocharger and its heat shielding. The role of engine coolant in the fire was also investigated.
Excavator Fire
A large excavator caught fire while working at a mine site. One theory regarding the cause of the fire was that an electrical short circuit on a fuel line could have been responsible for penetrating a braided fuel hose. Our engineer performed a number of live tests, with the aid of the Jacobs Well Rural Fire Brigade, to determine if this was possible and provided expert evidence in the case.
Modelling of a Building Fire
A CFD study was undertaken on a building fire within an accommodation complex. Results from the study were integrated into the police investigation enabling determination of cause and qualification of the overall building hazard. Our Engineers have successfully validated the same simulation technology against experimental data in a full-scale mock building burn.
Workshop Fire
A fire occurred in the electrical workshop on a mine site in Western Australia. Gilmore Engineers was supplied with photographs of the workshop after the blaze had been extinguished, along with with the remains of an electrical installation tester found in the fire. Our engineer was asked to inspect the electrical installation tester and determine if it could have been the ignition source for the fire.
Tractor Mower Fire
A high-performance mower-conditioner was being used in Northern New South Wales when it caught fire. Our engineer inspected the tractor mower on-site and reviewed the evidence to provide an assessment of the most like cause of the fire.
Porsche Engine Fire
A fire started in the engine of a Porsche recently imported into Australia. Our engineer inspected the vehicle after the fire. He was able to identify an incorrectly crimped fuel hose as the source of a fuel leak which ignited on the hot air-cooled Porsche engine.
Arson Investigation
A warehouse storing paint caught fire and burnt down under suspicious circumstances. Our engineer was engaged in inspecting the building to determine if the fire had been deliberately lit.
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