Fire & failure investigations you can rely on — from day one.

With over 38 years of experience, we help you get to the truth faster — with clear, defensible fire origin and cause investigations that preserve evidence, support claims decisions, and uncover recovery opportunities.

  • Kitchen fire with flames and smoke engulfing stove area, cabinets, and walls.

    Fire & Explosion Investigations

    Origin and cause analysis for residential, commercial, and industrial fires — compliant with NFPA 921 and built for legal defensibility.

  • A burnt-out car shell at the scene of a vehicle fire, on a rural road beside a forest.

    Vehicle Fire Investigation

    Passenger and commercial vehicle fires, including electrical and mechanical failure, with fraud screening and subrogation evaluation.

  • A smartphone with a cable attached experiencing an electrical failure, emitting smoke and catching fire on a table.

    Electrical & Mechanical Failure

    Appliance malfunctions, wiring defects, equipment overheating — our engineering consultants uncover the root cause.

  • Cracked concrete pillar with a blurred background.

    Structural Collapse

    Assess building failures, material issues, and construction flaws contributing to property loss or injury.

Trusted by insurance professionals and legal teams throughout New England.

  • James Welch holds the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credential from the International Association of Arson Investigators — the world’s most prestigious certification for fire investigators, with rigorous testing and experience requirements.

  • Licensed in both Massachusetts and Maine, Mr. Welch is authorized to conduct private investigations across state lines, bringing a wealth of law enforcement and fire investigation experience to each assignment.

  • All investigations strictly follow the scientific-based standards set by NFPA 921 and the professional qualifications outlined in NFPA 1033—ensuring thorough, defensible, and industry-compliant methodologies.

  • With over 38 years of fire and law enforcement investigative experience, our lead investigator brings depth, precision, and credibility to every case—ensuring confident decisions backed by proven expertise.

  • A trusted expert in both civil and criminal courts, Mr. Welch has delivered credible, clear, and technically sound testimony in numerous high-profile arson, fraud, and liability cases.

Testimonials

  • Investigator Welch presented as thorough, prepared and had an in-depth knowledge of the origin and causes of fire. In short, he was an excellent witness.

    Assistant District Attorney

  • At the trial, Investigator Welch did an outstanding job in reconstructing the cause and origin of the fire. He was qualified by the presiding Justice as an expert in that his credentials were impeccable and his description of the cause and origin of the fire was most persuasive in obtaining a favorable result to the defendants. Without reservation, I would describe [Investigator Welch] as one of the most authoritative and persuasive cause and origin experts I have encountered in my forty years of practice.

    Defense Attorney

  • This was a complex investigation requiring coordination among the various departments and agencies involved. Trooper Welch's investigative and case management abilities led to the successful outcome.

    Massachusetts State Police

  • Insurance Adjusters & Claims Professionals

  • Subrogation & Coverage Counsel

  • Defense & Plaintiff’s Attorneys

  • SIUs & Fraud Investigators

  • Risk Managers & Self-Insured Entities

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Whether you're managing a complex claim, reviewing a suspicious loss, or preparing for litigation — we’re here to help you move forward with clarity.