Welcome to What The Fire

The social media arm of Forensic Origin & Cause Investigations.

Through What The Fire, we explore the world of fire science and fire investigations. Our mission is to provide expert insights into fire-related incidents, share cautionary case studies, and offer an inside look at the life of a fire investigator. With over 10 years of experience in fire investigation, we are committed to educating those who are interested in fire with bite-sized easily digestable information.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a fire occurred within a basement nightclub in Switzerland, turning celebration into catastrophe. What reportedly began as a moment of spectacle, involving sparkler-style celebratory effects common in nightlife venues, rapidly escalated into a lethal fire environment. Within minutes, smoke, heat, and panic overwhelmed the space ending with lives lost.

When the Music Stops: A Global History of Nightclub Fires and the Lessons We Still Refuse to Learn

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a fire occurred within a basement nightclub in Switzerland, turning celebration into catastrophe. What reportedly began as a moment of spectacle, involving sparkler-style celebratory effects common in nightlife venues, rapidly escalated into a lethal fire environment. Within minutes, smoke, heat, and panic overwhelmed the space ending with lives lost.

News Commentary

2 days ago5 min read

Australia’s 2025–26 bushfire season is running fast and uneven. Mid-December update on impacts, state-by-state risk, climate drivers, and what to expect next.

Australia’s 2025–26 Bushfire Season: Where we’re at by mid-December (and what’s next)

Australia’s summer fire season has kicked off fast. Early December brought home losses in NSW and Tasmania, and the outlook points to more spike days as heat, wind and cured fuels line up. We pay our respects to the firefighters who have died this season. In this mid-December update, we break down the current drivers, where risk is highest (WA, SA, Vic) and why NSW/QLD are set for a grass-fire ramp. Most importantly, what to watch over the next 4–6 weeks.

News Commentary

Dec 8, 20253 min read

Not all “experts” are qualified. We explain why O&C is a science-led specialty, how to vet private fire investigators, and what standards actually matter.

Qualified ≠ Experienced: junk science is out, real fire science is in.

Not all “experts” are qualified. We explain why origin and cause is a science-led specialty, how to vet private fire investigators, and what standards actually matter.

Fire Investigators

Nov 5, 20253 min read

What We Can Learn from Australia’s Recent Explosions

The recent explosion at the Endeavour Mine in Cobar joins a troubling list of industrial and mining blasts across Australia. From underground detonations to chemical plant infernos, each event holds vital lessons for fire investigators, not just about ignition and cause, but about human systems, procedural gaps, and how we learn (or fail to). This piece explores what these incidents reveal about investigation practice, risk culture, and the enduring importance of asking why.

News Commentary

Oct 29, 20254 min read

FOC signs international MoU with Approved Group International

We’re pleased to share a major milestone for our clients and partners: Forensic Origin & Cause Investigations (FOC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Approved Group International (AGI) . AGI is a global leader in forensic investigation, disaster restoration, damage assessment, and business continuity, supporting insurers, corporates, and governments across Asia and beyond. Partnering with AGI extends our reach while staying true to our core strength: science

News Commentary

Oct 15, 20251 min read