In this episode of What the Fire, host Vithyaa sits down with legendary fire investigator and forensic scientist John Lentini to unpack how our understanding of fire behaviour has changed and why so many investigation reports still get it wrong.

John explains why “if you’re not a scientist, what are you doing in my profession?” isn’t just a sound bite, it’s a standard. We talk about:

• Why fire usually burns up and out, not down

• How low burning and “suspicious” patterns are often misread

• The overuse (and misuse) of liquid accelerant conclusions

• How junk science and bad assumptions have fuelled wrongful arson findings

• What it really means to think like a scientist in fire investigation, even without a science degree

Whether you’re writing reports, reviewing them, or trying to lift the standard of care in your organisation, this conversation will challenge the way you look at fire scenes and documentation.

If you find this episode valuable, please follow the show, rate the podcast, and leave a review with your feedback – it helps more people in the fire and forensic community discover What the Fire.

Keywords: fire investigation, fire behaviour, accelerants, fire reports, forensic science

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Forensic Origin and Cause Investigations

Host: Vithyaa Thavapalan LinkedIn

In this episode of What The Fire, Vithya sits down with Frank Mamasioulas, Managing Director of Riverwall Constructions, to explore what 40 years in business, and nearly 30 years on the tools and in leadership – have taught him about communication, responsibility and showing up for people on their worst days.

Frank shares how Riverwall has evolved from a handwritten, family-run operation into a corporate construction and insurance-repair business, and why personal interaction still matters more than ever in a technology-driven world. From picking up the phone instead of sending another email, to reading someone’s tone and emotion in real time, he explains how simple communication habits can resolve issues faster, build trust and strengthen collaboration across insurers, builders, consultants and clients.

We also talk about working on fire and fatality scenes, the role builders play alongside fire investigators and first responders, and how empathy, structure and clear reporting lines help teams navigate high-pressure, emotional environments. Frank reflects on learning from older generations, asking questions, sitting next to experienced people, and why collaboration is essential for both personal and professional growth.

If you work in construction, insurance, fire investigation, restoration or any field where people and pressure collide, this conversation is for you.

If you enjoy this episode, follow What The Fire on your favourite podcast app and leave a rating and review so more people in our industry can find the show.

In this episode of the What The Fire Podcast, host Vithyaa is joined by forensic experts Sophie Parsons and Kirit Kumar for a candid conversation about the realities of modern forensic engineering and disaster response.

Drawing on decades of experience across Asia, the UK, and beyond, Sophie and Kirit discuss how recent disasters, including major flooding events, are increasing the demand for forensic services and reshaping how investigations are carried out. They explore the challenges of evidence collection in complex post-disaster environments, where multiple parties are often working on site at the same time, and why getting there quickly can make all the difference.

The conversation also looks at the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in forensic investigations, from decision making to report writing, and how these tools are beginning to change the profession. Alongside this, the episode highlights the importance of clear communication in managing client expectations, particularly in an era where rapid answers are often expected.

Sophie and Kirit share insights on professional development, the value of industry conferences and mentorship, and why understanding building codes and safety regulations is critical for effective forensic work. They also reflect on how the forensic field is evolving to meet modern challenges, and what the next generation of professionals should be preparing for.

This episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how forensic experts really talk shop, combining technical insight with practical experience from the field.