Common questions about professional origin and cause investigation services.
1. How much does an origin and cause investigation cost?
Costs vary depending on incident complexity, scale, and location. Factors include site size, required laboratory testing, number of experts deployed, and cross-border logistics. For large industrial or multi-asset incidents, costs may increase due to the need for multidisciplinary analysis and modelling. However, compared to the potential financial exposure from denied claims or litigation losses, a properly conducted investigation is a strategic investment. AGI typically provides a structured scope and cost estimate following initial case assessment to ensure transparency and alignment with client objectives.
2. How quickly can your team deploy to a fire incident?
AGI can mobilize within hours for critical incidents across Malaysia and major ASEAN hubs. For Middle East deployments, mobilization is typically achieved within 24–48 hours, depending on access and regulatory clearance. Rapid deployment is essential to preserve transient evidence such as burn patterns, electrical traces, and scene integrity. Early engagement significantly increases the accuracy and defensibility of findings, particularly in high-value insurance and litigation cases.
3. Can you support cross-border investigations?
Yes. AGI operates across ASEAN and the Middle East, with experience handling multi-jurisdictional investigations involving insurers, legal teams, and regulatory authorities. We align our methodologies with internationally recognized standards while adapting to local legal and compliance requirements. This ensures findings remain admissible and credible across jurisdictions.
4. Will your reports stand up in court?
All AGI reports are prepared with litigation in mind from the outset. This includes strict chain-of-custody protocols, documented methodologies, photographic evidence logs, and structured technical analysis. Our experts are experienced in providing expert witness testimony, ensuring findings remain defensible under cross-examination.
5. Do you work with insurance companies or policyholders?
AGI operates independently and can be engaged by:
- Insurers
- Loss adjusters
- Legal counsel
- Corporate clients
Our role is to establish objective, evidence-based conclusions, regardless of stakeholder position. This neutrality enhances credibility in disputes.
6. What standards do you follow in fire investigations?
We primarily follow NFPA 921 (Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations) and NFPA 1033 (Professional Qualifications), supplemented by ASTM, ISO, and BS standards where applicable. These frameworks ensure systematic, scientifically grounded investigations.
7. Can you determine if a fire was accidental or deliberate?
Yes. Through a combination of fire pattern analysis, residue testing, ignition source evaluation, and timeline reconstruction, we can differentiate between accidental causes and deliberate ignition. However, conclusions are always evidence-driven and aligned with scientific methodology.
8. What industries do you commonly support?
We support a wide range of industries including oil & gas, manufacturing, construction, marine, power generation, and commercial property. Each sector presents unique risk profiles and investigative requirements, which our multidisciplinary team is equipped to handle.
9. How long does an investigation take?
Initial findings may be available within days, while full reports typically range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on complexity, laboratory testing, and modelling requirements. Complex litigation cases may require extended analysis.
10. What should we do immediately after a fire incident?
Secure the site, restrict access, document initial conditions, and engage a forensic investigation team immediately. Avoid altering the scene before expert assessment, as this may compromise evidence and affect insurance or legal outcomes.