In this article, fire investigator, John Tinghitella, C.F.I., reflects upon his almost 40 years of fire fighting & fire investigation career to provide advice on avoiding holiday fires. Highlights…
John Tinghitella, C.F.I., C.F.E.I. Fire Origin & Cause Expert
John is a decorated Fire Marshal and Firefighter. As both, John addressed building code violations pertaining to fire prevention and safety. He's received some of the best training in the country from New York State, both the New York City Fire and Police departments, as well as the U.S. Department of Treasury.
John brings over 40 years of experience in these areas to on-scene fire investigations. He conducts fire scene and burn pattern examinations to locate the origin and make initial determination of the cause, as well as forensic analysis of fire and police reports.
In addition to his other duties, John also conducted criminal investigations with regard to arson and other crimes, supervised photographers at fire and crime scenes, and examined fatal fire victims.
John is a New York State-certified Fire Investigator, level II, and he's a member of a number of professional organizations, including the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Professional Experience
Robson Forensic, Inc.
Associate
2005 to presentConduct on-scene fire investigations to locate origin and make initial determination of cause. Conduct burn investigations and fire/police report forensic analysis. Provide technical support to resolve questions appropriate to fire department operations and personnel. Conduct Code Violation Analysis related to Fire Prevention, Fire Safety and Means of Egress.
Tingy’s Improvements, Inc.
Owner/Operator
2002 to 2005Responsible for all phases of Home Improvement Business, including customer service, estimating job costs, material ordering and workmanship.
City of New York, Fire Department
1981 to 2002Fire Marshal 1999-2002
- Managed and investigated cases assigned, as a Fire and Arson Investigator.
- Responded to fires and emergencies, determined origin & cause of fires.
- Conducted criminal investigations, with regard to arson and other crimes.
- Administered oaths to witnesses for the purpose of taking depositions
- Issued, signed, and served subpoenas for testimony and business records.
- Directed department members with regard to crime scene preservation.
- Supervised photographers at fire and crime scenes.
- Identified, collected, and transported physical evidence to police/forensic laboratory for analysis.
- Interviewed witnesses, examined fatal fire victims, conferred with medical examiner, supervisors, federal and local law enforcement officers, district attorneys and insurance representatives.
- Coordinated and performed surveillance of locations, vehicles and subjects.
- Conducted Building Inspections addressing code violations pertaining to fire prevention, fire safety and Department of Consumer Affair’s Violations and issued Summonses, Violation Orders or Notice of Violations if warranted.
Special Assignments: Fireworks Task Force Unit; Social Club Task Force Unit
Firefighter 1981-1999
- Responded to and operated at structural fires, motor vehicle fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and Haz-Mat incidents.
- Conducted Building Inspections addressing code violations pertaining to fire prevention and safety and issued Violation Orders or Notice of Violation if warranted.
- Department qualified motor pump operator and chauffer.
- Union Delegate
Mineola, New York Volunteer Fire Department
Firefighter, Motor Pump Operator, Chauffeur
1974 to 1980
Professional Credentials
- New York State-Certified Fire Investigator Level I and II
- National Association of Fire Investigators – Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
Commendations
- Bureau of Fire Investigation, Class B Medal: Ongoing Fire Investigation
- Unit Citation Medal
- World Trade Center Award
- Pre-Hospital Save Commendation – FDNY
- Certificate of Appreciation, Bureau of Fire Investigation – FDNY
Education
- Bachelor of Science Degree, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, 1978
- Associate in Applied Science Degree, State University of New York, Farmingdale, New York, 1976
Training Courses
2023
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Fire Effects Part 1: Heat Effects on Fuels
- Fire Effects Part 2: Combustion By-Products Effects
- Photovoltaic Cells & Systems
- NY State Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators
- Bringing the Case to Trial & Deposition Preparation
- Electronic Data/Smart Appliances in Fire Investigation
- Small Appliance Fire Investigation
- Chimney Fires
- American Safety Council
- Asbestos Awareness for Construction
- Respiratory Protection
2022
- NY State Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators
- Fire Protection Systems & Fire Investigations
- Marine Fire Investigations
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- NFPA 1033 & 921 2022/2021 Editions, Important Updates
- Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Design Basics
- Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Fires
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Post flashover Fires
- Introduction to Appliances
2021
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer - Live Event
- Was The Fire Accidental?
- Post Blast Investigations
- You're Right - But You're Wrong
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
- Charting Your Career Path in Fire Investigation
2020
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Understanding Undetermined
- Fire Flow Analysis
- Critical Evaluation and Testing of Commonly Reported Accidental Causes
- Evidence Examination: What Happens at the Lab?
- The Practical Application of the Relationship Between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921
- NFPA 1033 and Your Career
- International Association of Arson Investigators/Virtual Training
- 2021 NFPA921 Chapter 6-Fire Patterns
2019
- National Association of Fire Investigators
- Advanced Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation Training Program, 28 hours, (fulfills the requirements of NFPA 1033 Section 1.3.7)
2018
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Fire Chemistry
- Discovery in Civil Cases
- Using Resources to Validate your Hypothesis
- What the Insurance Professional Needs To Know About Fire Investigation
2017
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Motor Vehicles: The Engine and Ignition, Electrical and Fuel Systems
- Motor Vehicles: Transmission, Exhaust, Brakes and Accessory Systems
- Vacant and Abandoned Buildings
- Residential Natural Gas Systems
- Ethical Duties Beyond the Fire Scene
- Thermometry, Heat and Heat Transfer
2016
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Investigating Fire and Explosion Incidents Involving Line-Of-Duty Death
- Introduction to Youth-Set Fires
- Legal Aspects of Investigating Youth-Set Fires
- DNA Evidence
- Critical Thinking Solves Cases
- Defense Research Institute
- Fire Science & Litigation
2015
- National Association of Fire Investigators
- Advanced Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation
- National Fire Protection Association
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Investigating Fatal Fires
- Investigating Natural Gas Systems
- Preparation for the Marine Fire Scene
- The Deposition Part 1: Format, Content, and Preparation
- The Deposition Part 2: Questioning Tactics and Effective Responses
- How First Responders Impact The Fire Investigation
- Fundamentals of Residential Building Construction
- Process of Elimination
- The National Association of Subrogation Professionals
- Subrogation Investigation from Fire Scene To Recovery
2014
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- NFPA 921 & 1033 2014 Editions: Important Revisions
- Basic Electricity
- Residential Electrical Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
2013
- International Association of Fire Investigators
- Documenting the Fire Scene
- Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators
- Understanding Commercial Kitchens Systems
- Safe Permit-Required Confined Space Entries, Prospering Safely
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Electrical Safety
2012
- The National Association of Subrogation Professionals
- Manufactured Fireplace Fires: Recognition, Causes and Potential Litigation
- International Association of Arson Investigators and Fire Department of New York
- Who you going to call (resources available to fire investigators)
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator
- Writing the Initial Origin and Cause Report
- Fundamentals of Interviewing
- Documenting the Event
- A Ventilation-focused Approach to the Impact of Building Structures and Systems on Fire Development
2011
- The National Association of Subrogation Professionals
- NFPA 1033, NFPA 921 & Arc Mapping
- International Association of Arson Investigators and National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators
- Detection of Deception In Interviewing
- Emerging Investigative Trends & Ethics in Fire Investigation
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Ethical Investigation of Insurance Claims
2010
- State University of New York, Albany & Americlean Services Corporation
- Kitchen Exhaust Systems: Proper Installation, Maintenance & Inspections
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- Fire and Explosion Investigations: Utilizing NFPA 1033 and 921
2005 to 2009
- International Association of Arson Investigators/CFI Trainer
- The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigation, 2009
- Arc Mapping Basics Training Program, 2009
- Scientific Approach to Vehicle Fire Investigations, 2007
- Introduction to Evidence, 2007
- Fire Investigator Scene Safety Training Program, 2006
- Ethics and Fire Investigator Training Program, 2005
2000
- New York City Police Department
- Auto Crime School – Advanced Training Course
- Police Department, County of Nassau
- Auto and Marine Vessel Crimes Course
- Detective in Service Training Course
1999
- U.S. Department of Treasury – I.R.S. Criminal Investigations Division
- Financial Investigation Techniques Course
- New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control
- Principles of Fire Investigation Course
- Fire Behavior & Arson Awareness Course
- New York City Fire Department
- Fire Marshal Training School
- Basic Fire Investigation Course
1981 to 1998
- New York City Fire Department
- On-going In-Service-Training
- Motor Pump Operator and Chauffer Training Course, 1984
- Fire Fighter Training School, 1981
1974 to 1976
- Nassau County Fire Service Academy
- Probationary Firefighter Training School
- On-going In-Service -Training
Professional Memberships
- The National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators
- National Fire Protection Association
- International Association of Arson Investigators
- National Association of Fire Investigators
- NYC Fire Marshal’s Benevolent Association
- Uniformed Firefighters Association
- International Association of Fire Fighters
Other
- HGTV Magazine, May 2017 Issue, How Bad Is It..... Oven Fires
- Consultation with NBC Universal News & Entertainment
- Fire Escapes, 2015
- Overcrowding of Restaurants and Clubs, 2014
- Instructor, Continuing Education for Professional Engineers: 2007
- Instructor, FDNY Fire Marshal Class: #1 of 2007, #2 of 2007, #1 of 2008
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
v. 06/13/23