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PCI Chimney & Fireplace Investigations
A Division of EMP Enterprises, Inc.

Forensic Investigations for structural fires related to chimneys, vents, and heating appliances.

O &C Fire Investigations: By Gene Padgitt, CFI. We do origin and cause investigations for fires in and around chimneys, vents, and heating appliances. We provide a written report of our findings with photos. Many forensics investigators, fire marshals, and insurance companies put their trust in us when they believe a chimney is involved in fire damage. We will travel anywhere in the U.S. for this service. See Gene's resume' below.; Forensics investigators often accompany Padgitt on the site, and have the confidence to give him the "lead," which means that Gene takes charge of the dig-out and investigation, and the order in which things occur. The detail in this process is very important, and taking photos of every item is necessary. Often, contact with a manufacturer, acquiring an installation manual, and reference to NFPA 211 Standards and IRC codes is necessary before a statement can be made regarding origin and cause of the fire. "It is interesting to note that most house fires I see originate at the smoke chamber area," says Gene. "This is usually caused by the builder ignoring NFPA clearance to combustibles requirements, and who puts headers or wood studs in this area." Padgitt says that the second most often cause is improper installation of pre-fabricated fireplaces and chimneys, usually by leaving out the insulation shield in the attic or placing sheet rock right next to the firebox.


Expert Witness Services
Gene will provide expert witness services for court cases. He can testify in court, do
depositions, or provide detailed reports and statements.

All of our reports are written by Marge Padgitt, CCS, NFI.

Resume'

Eugene R. Padgitt
228 W Maple Ave.
Independence, MO 64050
816-461-3665

1. Multiple training classes attended at the Chimney Safety Institute of America 1987—present.

2. Training classes attended at the National Fireplace Institute 1993– present.

3. 16 + hours of training classes administered by Johnson County Contractor Licensing annually in order to maintain licensing since 1997.

4. Certified Chimney Sweep® by the Chimney Safety Institute of America since 1989.

5. 40 hours of training classes every three years required in order to maintain CSIA certification.

6. Missouri State Certified Fire Investigator 1999-present.

7. Degree in Heating, Venting, Cooling and Refrigeration- Vatterott and Sullivan College 1986.

8. Annual training classes at the Masonry Heater Association of North America Conference and currently working on the Certified Heater Mason certification.

9. Chimney sweep, chimney technician, and chimney designer and builder since 1982.

10. Past NFI Certified Gas and Woodburning Specialist training and Certifications. I let these lapse recently due to time constraints to maintain CEU’s required.

11. Attendance at annual industry organization (CSIA, HPBA, MHA, and MCSC) conferences and training seminars since 1986.

12. Development of the following classes that I taught at the Midwest Chimney Safety Council; Midwest Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association; and Masonry Heater Association events:

1.) Level III Fire Investigations for House Fires Related to Chimneys 2000

2.) Installation of Bellfires and Rumford Style Fireplaces 2003

3.) Design and Building of Outdoor Bake Ovens 2005

4.) Diagnosis of Negative House Pressure 2006

5.) Diagnosis of Negative Pressure and Whole House Ventilator Installation 2007

13. Article written for Sweeping magazine “Is the Smoke Chamber a Smoking Gun” 2005 and revised 2007, and several other articles co-written with my partner, Marge Padgitt.

14. Class D Master Mechanical License issued by Johnson County, Kansas, which requires the BLOCK test that covers ten books on venting, HVAC installations, plumbing, electrical, heat load calculations, and all of the applicable codes. I hold this license in Johnson County, Kansas City, MO, Independence, and Raytown.

Professional Memberships:

· National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)

· Midwest Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association

· National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

· Midwest Chimney Safety Council

· MO Chapter of the International Arson Association of Investigators

· The Masonry Heater Association of North America

Service:

Served on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Chimney Safety Council 1993-2007

Awards:

First Place Winner: Chimney Building Contest—National Chimney Sweep Guild 1992

First Place Winner: Masonry Chimney Design and Building—Midwest Chimney Safety Council 2005

First Place Winner: Fireplace Design and Building—Midwest Chimney Safety Council. 2007

Second Place Winner: Exterior Specialty (chimney) - KC Chapter National Association of the Remodeling Industry 2005

First Place Winner: Fireplace Design/Building in Kansas City – The Home Book 2004

Honorable Mention: Exterior Speciality (chimney)—KC Chapter National Association of the Remodeling Industry 2006