Forensic Engineering & Fire Investigation in California
Objective, Scientific, Defensible, Bona Fide.
Bona Fide Forensics provides forensic engineering, fire investigation, and failure analysis services for insurance carriers, attorneys, subrogation professionals, property owners, and other parties involved in property and casualty claims throughout Northern California.
Licensed Professional Engineer
Mechanical PE - CA, NV, OR, WA, AZ
Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
National Association of Fire Investigators
Certified Professional Inspector
InterNACHI
OUR SERVICES
Forensics Engineering & Investigation Services
Each investigation is tailored to the circumstances of the loss, available evidence, and the questions that need to be addressed. Services range from initial site examinations through laboratory testing, technical analysis, and reporting.
Structure Fire Investigation
Determine fire origin and cause by examining fire patterns, ignition sources, electrical systems, appliances, and physical evidence.
Vehicle Fire Investigation
Determine vehicle fire origin and cause by examining burn patterns, electrical systems, fuel systems, components, and physical evidence.
Water Loss Investigation
Determine water loss origin and cause by examining plumbing systems, appliances, connections, materials, damage patterns, and physical evidence.
Mechanical Failure Analysis
Determine how mechanical failures occurred by examining components, operating conditions, wear, fractures, maintenance history, and physical evidence.
Appliance Testing
Evaluate appliance failures by examining components, electrical systems, plumbing connections, operating conditions, damage patterns, and physical evidence.
Equipment Investigation
Evaluate equipment failures by examining components, electrical systems, operating conditions, maintenance, and physical evidence.
MEET KIRK LUMAYE
Engineering Knowledge. Investigative Experience.
Bona Fide Forensics is led by Kirk LuMaye, a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator with more than a decade of experience investigating fires, water losses, and mechanical failures.
With a degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Sacramento, Kirk brings an engineering perspective to questions about how products and systems fail—and how those failures contribute to property losses.
His experience includes scene investigations, component examinations, technical reporting, and expert witness testimony.
“Our mission is simple: Seek the truth through honest and thorough investigation.”
— Kirk LuMaye, PE
FROM EVIDENCE TO ANSWERS
Clear Findings. Preserved Evidence.
A useful investigation connects the physical evidence to the questions that matter. We evaluate potential causes, consider alternative explanations, and explain what the available evidence supports.
Our work helps clients assess claims, potential subrogation opportunities, and disputed technical issues. Conclusions are communicated clearly, including relevant limitations and unresolved questions.
Services may include:
✓ Scene and component examinations
✓ Evidence collection and preservation
✓ Joint examinations and testing
✓ Engineering analysis and written reports
✓ Deposition support and expert testimony
The scope of each assignment is tailored to the loss, available evidence, and questions being evaluated.
SERVICE AREA
Based in Sacramento. Serving California and Beyond.
Bona Fide Forensics provides forensic engineering and fire investigation services throughout the Sacramento region, San Francisco Bay Area, and other portions of California.
Assignments in additional states are considered based on location, scope, and applicable licensing requirements. Examinations may involve a loss site, a storage or repair facility, or preserved components.
Contact us to discuss availability for your assignment.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
