Our Mission:
To provide timely, unbiased, and defensible investigative findings that empower insurance carriers and legal teams to make informed, confident decisions.
At Origin and Cause Investigations, we specialize in determining the true origin and cause of fires, explosions, mechanical failures, and structural collapses. Founded by James M. Welch, Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI) with over 38 years of law enforcement and fire investigative experience, our firm is trusted by insurance professionals and attorneys across New England for one simple reason: we deliver facts that hold up — in court, in claims, and in the field.
Meet James Welch, CFI
Veteran Investigator. Trusted Expert Witness. Proven Results.
Founder James Welch brings over three decades of law enforcement and fire investigative experience, including more than 2,000 cases as lead investigator and numerous expert witness appearances in state and federal court. His work meets the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and evidentiary admissibility.
Brings over 38 years of investigative experience, including a 26-year career with the Massachusetts State Police and nearly 13 years in private sector fire investigation .
Served in the Massachusetts State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, leading complex fire and arson cases in Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk Counties.
Formerly assigned to a facial recognition and biometric compliance unit, analyzing over 20,000 images daily to identify fraudulent identities and support federal investigations.
Experienced expert witness with courtroom testimony in state and federal cases, including arson, insurance fraud, and wrongful death.
Certified by the International Association of Arson Investigators, and licensed as a Private Investigator in Massachusetts and Maine.
Broad expertise across residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicular fire investigations, with support from engineers for electrical, mechanical, and structural failure analysis.
Recognized for detailed reporting, evidence handling, and NFPA 921 compliance in every phase of the investigation.
Why early investigation matters:
We understand that for insurance adjusters and claims professionals, the investigation often begins before litigation is even considered. That’s why we emphasize rapid response and scene preservation — because critical evidence doesn’t last, and early clarity prevents future complications.
By launching a qualified origin and cause investigation at the outset of a claim, our clients are able to:
Determine coverage eligibility quickly
Document key facts before evidence is compromised
Identify subrogation potential early
Rule out fraud or suspicious circumstances
Our Teams & Resources
We work with a trusted network of engineers and specialists to support investigations involving:
Electrical and mechanical failure
Appliance and equipment malfunction
Structural collapse
Ready to speak with a certified expert?
Contact us today to discuss your case.