When a fire, explosion, or suspected arson threatens property, lives, or your legal case, you need more than just answers—you need clarity, credibility, and courtroom-ready expertise.
That’s where Rappaport Consulting, based in Santa Barbara, California, comes in. Serving California and Nevada, we specialize in fire investigations, arson investigations, explosion investigations, and fire expert witness services designed to withstand the highest levels of scrutiny.
With decades of experience and hundreds of investigations completed, our mission is clear:
Deliver truth through science, structure, and strategy—every time.
Why Fire Investigations Require Specialized Expertise
The Complexity of Fire Scenes
Fires don’t just destroy property—they erase evidence.
That’s why accurate fire origin and cause analysis requires a deep understanding of physics, chemistry, and human behavior. The path fire takes, ventilation patterns, and material reactions all leave subtle but critical clues.
Common Causes and Patterns of Fire
From electrical faults and appliance malfunctions to intentional accelerants and structural failures, the root cause of a fire can hide beneath layers of debris. Our fire investigators are trained to identify tell-tale signs of arson, accelerant use, or accidental ignition sources—without speculation.
Legal Implications of Faulty Investigations
An inaccurate or incomplete fire investigation can jeopardize insurance claims, lead to wrongful convictions, or undermine litigation. That’s why we adhere to NFPA 921 guidelines and use industry-standard fire investigation protocols in every case.
What Sets Rappaport Consulting Apart
Over 30 Years of Hands-On Experience
Rappaport Consulting is led by Steven Rappaport, a fire investigation and litigation support expert with over three decades of experience. With a career rooted in fire service and investigative science, his reputation for integrity, precision, and professionalism is unmatched in California and Nevada.
Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Approach
We combine principles from forensic engineering, chemistry, fire dynamics, and criminalistics to deliver comprehensive findings. Our investigations are supported by high-resolution documentation, scene reconstruction, and expert-level fire modeling when necessary.
Local Presence, Statewide Reach
Based in Santa Barbara, we offer rapid response times to incidents across California and Nevada, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Reno. Whether it’s a single-family residence or a major commercial explosion, we scale with your needs.
Comprehensive Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Services
Arson Investigations Backed by Science
Intentional fires require a different level of scrutiny. Our arson investigations uncover patterns of accelerant use, point of origin, ignition methods, and motive indicators—all documented in a court-admissible report.
We answer critical questions like:
- Was the fire intentionally set?
- What accelerants were used?
- Who had motive or access?
Explosion Investigations with Structural Analysis
Gas leaks, chemical storage issues, or pressure vessel failures can trigger catastrophic explosions. We assess:
- Blast patterns and overpressure damage
- Equipment failures
- Compliance with safety codes
This level of analysis is crucial for personal injury lawsuits, insurance disputes, and municipal liability cases.
Forensic Documentation & Evidence Handling
All findings are presented with photographic evidence, digital scene mapping, and chain-of-custody-secured samples. Whether it’s court, deposition, or mediation—your case will be backed by solid, visual, and scientific proof.
Fire Expert Witness Services That Stand Up in Court
Clear, Courtroom-Ready Expert Testimony
Not every expert can communicate complex findings in simple, understandable terms. We can.
Steven Rappaport is known for his clear, unbiased testimony that aligns with investigative best practices and withstands cross-examination.
Litigation & Case Review Support
Our work doesn’t stop at the fire scene. We provide:
- Case file reviews
- Opposing expert critique
- Consultation on legal strategy
This is especially valuable during pre-trial motions, settlement talks, and discovery.
Trial and Deposition Preparation Made Easy
We help attorneys prepare with:
- Custom graphics or scene models
- Depositional Q&A practice
- Evidence walk-throughs
When the stakes are high, you need preparation that wins cases.
Who We Serve: Attorneys, Insurance Firms, Municipalities & More
Support for Civil and Criminal Litigation
We’ve worked on:
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Product liability claims
- Criminal arson trials
With Rappaport Consulting, you get clear findings and impartial assessments, helping jurors and judges understand what really happened.
Partnering with Insurers on Fraud and Liability
Insurance companies rely on us to:
- Confirm or dispute fire claims
- Detect intentional fraud
- Provide 3rd-party, unbiased reviews
We save clients millions by identifying false claims and documenting the real cause of loss.
Serving Cities Across California and Nevada
We’re proud to provide on-site investigations and remote consultation in:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Las Vegas
- Reno
…and surrounding areas.
FAQs: Fire Investigations with Rappaport Consulting
How fast can you respond to a fire scene?
We typically respond within 24–48 hours in California and Nevada. For urgent cases, same-day response may be available.
Are your expert witness services admissible in court?
Yes. Our experts follow NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, and Daubert standards to ensure admissibility of reports and testimony.
What documentation is included in your reports?
Our standard report includes:
- Executive summary of findings
- Full photo documentation
- Origin and cause analysis
- Evidence logs
- Recommendations or conclusions
- Expert credentials and methodology references
Choose Confidence. Choose Rappaport Consulting.
When disaster strikes, or when your case hinges on what really happened, you need experienced fire investigation professionals you can trust.
Why choose Rappaport Consulting?
- ✅ 30+ years of expertise
- ✅ Expert witness services that stand up in court
- ✅ Rapid response across CA and NV
- ✅ Comprehensive arson and explosion analysis
- ✅ Trial prep and litigation support from start to finish
📞 Ready to move forward?
Contact Rappaport Consulting today to schedule a consultation or request a case review.📍 Based in Santa Barbara, CA | Serving California and Nevada
🌐 Visit: www.rappaportconsulting.com
📞 Call Now: (310) 806-8057
📧 Email: robert@rappaportconsulting.com
