In Episode 12 of What The Fire, we sit down with Vince Atkinson to unpack what fire suppression really means in high-risk environments, particularly the mining and heavy equipment space.

Vince shares a practical, outcomes-driven approach to fire risk: understanding where ignition is most likely to occur, prioritising preventative controls, and using suppression as a mitigating measure to reduce consequences when risk remains.

We also explore what’s changing globally in the fire suppression market , from procurement pressures and “box-ticking” approaches, to the industry-wide transition away from AFFF foams toward fluorine-free alternatives (F3). Vince explains why education and post-incident learning are essential for improving real-world performance, and why emerging technologies like battery electric equipment are forcing the sector to play catch-up with new fire risks.

Whether you work in mining, safety leadership, procurement, insurance, or investigation, this episode is a grounded look at what good fire protection should actually deliver.

• What fire suppression is and why suppression isn’t the same as extinguishment
• How fire risk assessments should drive system selection and design
• Common suppression agents used globally (and where they’re typically applied)
• The shift from AFFF to fluorine-free foams (F3) and why it matters
• How procurement decisions can compromise safety outcomes
• Why education, commissioning, and ongoing support are non-negotiable
• The value of post-incident analysis to improve future outcomes
• The growing challenge of electric and low-emission equipment fires
• “Education is key in fire suppression.”“Find something you love doing.”

fire suppression, fire safety, mining industry, fire risk assessment, fire protection systems, AFFF, F3 foams, procurement challenges, electric vehicles, industry trends

Vince Atkinson LinkedIn

Forensic Origin and Cause Investigations, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Vithyaa Thavapalan LinkedIn

This episode is a little different. It is a solo episode, with Vithyaa unpacking one of the most important topics in the field: the biggest mistakes made in fire investigations.

Drawing on her experience across complex losses, Vithyaa shares the common pitfalls that can weaken an investigation, from reaching conclusions too early to misunderstanding fire patterns, overlooking key evidence, and using language with more certainty than the facts support.

This episode is a practical discussion on why thoroughness, discipline, and staying current matter so much in origin and cause work. Whether you are a fire investigator, insurer, lawyer, or someone involved in fire claims, this episode offers valuable insight into how investigations can go wrong and what good practice really looks like.

In this episode, Vithyaa covers:

• Reaching conclusions too early
• Why scene appearance can be misleading
• The importance of strong documentation
• Testing hypotheses properly
• Misunderstanding fire patterns
• Knowing what you are actually looking at
• Electrical systems and fire-caused damage vs cause-related damage
• The role of witness information, timelines, and other external data
• Using careful language in reporting
• Recognising the limitations of an investigation
• Why staying current in the field matters

Sound bites:
“Don’t jump to conclusions too early.”
“Scene appearance can be misleading.”
“Know what you’re actually looking at.”

Forensic Origin and Cause Investigations

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Vithyaa Thavapalan LinkedIn

Jim Kanavy, a fire investigator, instructor and long-time leader in the fire investigation profession with more than 44 years in the fire service.

Jim shares how he started as a junior firefighter in Pennsylvania at just 14 years old, built a career across public and private fire investigation, worked with accelerant detection canines for more than two decades, and became deeply involved in training, standards and professional development through the IAAI, NAFI and NFPA.

We talk about how fire investigation has changed over the years, from older indicators and outdated beliefs to the increased use of science, the impact of NFPA 921 and 1033, and the importance of keeping up with new challenges like EV fires.

We also get into some of the bigger issues facing the profession:

• The gap between classroom learning and real-world experience
• Why younger investigators need more access, mentoring and opportunity
• The cost of training and conferences
• The need for stronger chapter engagement and better communication
• And why member voices matter when it comes to voting and shaping the future of organisations like the IAAI

This is a candid conversation about experience, service, leadership and the importance of passing knowledge on.

Jim Kanavy LinkedIn, Email jmka255@uky.edu

Forensic Origin and Cause Investigations Website

What The Fire LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Vithyaa Thavapalan LinkedIn