Friday, April 12, 2024 (8:00am - 12:00pm) (Celebrity 4)

This workshop introduces investigators to fire and explosion dynamics as it applies to origin determinations. Participants will acquire a working knowledge of fire science and be able to apply this knowledge to assess burn patterns and analyze fire spread. This workshop will also explore the interpretation and limitations of the physical evidence from a fire scene. Participants will develop an understanding of fire dynamics within compartments, including compartment fire behavior, heat transfer, pre- and post-flashover conditions, and heat release rate curves. These fundamental concepts will be linked to fire pattern development and how patterns can be accurately used in determining the area of origin. Current research related to the inappropriate and appropriate uses of fire damage. Hands-on examination of fire scenes will be conducted to make practical use of the learned information.

Greg Gorbett

Dr. Gregory E. Gorbett is a full-time Professor with Eastern Kentucky University teaching in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Program. Dr. Gorbett is also a professional Fire and Explosion Analyst. He holds National Board Certification as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), International Association of Arson Investigators Certification as a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), as well as certification as a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) through the National Fire Protection Association. CFEI status deals with the accurate listing of a fire or explosion’s, origin, cause, and responsibility. CFPS status deals with issues of fire protection, fire safety, and knowledge of fire safety codes and standards.

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Dr. Gorbett holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, including a cum laude Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland. He also holds two Master of Science degrees, one in Executive Fire Service Leadership, and the other in Fire Protection Engineering. He also holds a PhD in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s Technical Committee of the Standard for Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1033, between 2004-2014, 2016-present) and was a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s Technical Committee on Fire and Explosion Investigations (NFPA 921) between 2016-2018. The Technical Committee on Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications writes National Fire Code, NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. The Technical Committee on Fire Investigations writes National Fire Code, NFPA 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. He served as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the NFPA Fire Science and Technology Educator’s Section, served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Fire Investigators (2003-2017), served as the Vice-Chair of the Fire and Arson Investigator Journal of the International Association of Arson Investigators (2012-2019), and was the Executive Secretary on the Crime Scene/Death Investigation Scientific Area Committee’s (SAC’s) Fire and Explosion Investigations Subcommittee within the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).