2025 MN IAAI Annual Training Conference 

Class Descriptions

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Design, Construction, Failures, and Fire Causes

Instructors: Donald Hoffmann, Ph.D., P.E., IAAI-CFI and Alexander Hoffmann, B.S., EIT

As the use of lithium-ion batteries has proliferated, it has become increasingly important for fire investigators to have a basic understanding of these energy sources, their evaluation at the fire scene, and their examination at the artifact inspection. SEL engineers will review the design, construction, and operation of lithium-ion batteries, as well as the controls present at the cell, pack, and device level. Multiple case studies in the analysis of fires with lithium-ion batteries found at the scene will be discussed, and attendees will have the opportunity to review the laboratory and radiographic examination of batteries recovered from fire scenes to gain a better understanding of post-fire evaluation of batteries in the determination of fire cause. 

Instructor Biography: Donald Hoffman, Ph.D., PE, IAAI-CFI

As president of Safety Engineering Laboratories (SEL), Dr. Donald Hoffmann leads the engineering analysis of fires and explosions, conducts testing and analysis of products and materials, and oversees process safety project. Don has over 35 years of experience in the engineering analysis of a broad array of incidents, including process failures, gas explosion, chemical plant incidents, residential fires, vehicle fires, and wildfires. He is also an expert in the analysis of lithium-ion batteries, personal electronic devices, and appliances. Don is a longstanding member of the NFPA, IAAI, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. 

Instructor Biography: Alexander Hoffman, B.S., EIT

Mr. Alex Hoffman has been a full-time member of the SEL team since 2019. He provides engineering analysis of consumer products, lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries, and chemical analysis of inorganic and organic materials. Alex is experienced in the design and execution of small and large-scale test projects and has training in evaluating various mechanical and electrical components using analytical testing equipment. Alex is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University with a research focus on lithium-ion, lithium metal, and lithium-sulfur batteries and battery materials. 

The Use of Fire Dynamics for Origin Determination

Instructor: Dr. Greg Gorbett

This presentation focuses on using fire dynamics to test origin hypotheses. Fundamental fire dynamics will be discussed, emphasizing ventilation-controlled conditions and the ventilation-generated fire patterns developed from this stage in a compartment fire. Heat release rates of fuels and how these can better be incorporated into testing origin hypotheses within the context of timeline analysis will be examined. In addition, the proper documentation and analysis of fire patterns through applying fundamental fire dynamics will be described. Case studies will be integrated into the presentation to demonstrate how to use fire dynamics in various scenarios effectively. 

Instructor Biography:

Dr. Gregory Gorbett is a full-time Professor at Eastern Kentucky University teaching in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Program. Dr. Gorbett is also a professional Fire and Explosion Analyst with Fire Dynamics Analysts. He holds National Board Certification as a CFEI, IAAI-CFI, and CFPS. 

Dr. Gorbett holds two BS degrees: (1) Forensic Science and (2) Fire Science. He also holds two MS degrees: (1) Executive Fire Service Leadership and (2) Fire Protection Engineering. He also has a PhD in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of NFPA 1033, OSAC, and the CFI certification committee of the IAAI. 

Structural Condition Assessment - Is That Building Safe?

Instructor: Scott Nesvold

This presentation will start with a discussion on the mechanics of structures and structural systems, focusing on how materials behave when exposed to fire conditions. Then, Mr. Nesvold will provide information on what to look for to help an investigator or engineer identify distressed buildings and components. 

Instructor Biography: 

Scott Nesvold provides expert consultation in the fields of structural engineering and fire protection engineering regarding building design, structural analysis and failure analysis for all building types. With a background in structural and fire protection, Scott offers the expertise to evaluate fire protection systems and to analyze the effects of fire and explosions and its impact on structural integrity and life safety. Mr. Nesvold specializes in the assessment of damage to structures and their components following catastrophic events, such as explosions and fire. He has worked with various agencies to assist with improving the level of safety on active fire and explosion investigation scenes. 

Fires and Explosions Involving Combustible Dusts and Combustible Metals

Instructor: Scott Dillon, P.E.

This class will provide an overview of the fundamentals of combustible dusts and combustible metals related to fires and explosions. The class will include a summary of the relevant standards related to controlling combustible dust hazards and their implication related to fire and explosion investigations. 

Instructor Biography: 

Scott Dillon is a licensed professional engineer with over 25 years of experience in the areas of fire and explosion investigation, fire protection engineering, fire science and fire dynamics, fire testing, fuel gas systems, and forensic analysis. He performs investigations of residential, commercial, and industrial fires and explosions including investigations of incidents involving combustible dusts and metals. He also performs proactive evaluations of combustible dust hazards in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing facilities in accordance with applicable national standards. 

Investigation of Hearth Related Fires: Fireplace, Chimney, Appliance, and Vent Fires

Instructors: Dale Feb and Jacob Feb

This presentation will consider the ignition sequence caused by these hearth products. We will discuss the listing and certification requirements to obtain a competent understanding of these systems and the associated risks. The presentation will cover the UL/ULC standards regarding the installation of inserts into both masonry and factory-built fireplaces. The presentation will also review the proper investigation techniques and the professional approach to consider. This information will be delivered via case studies, including fire scene investigations. 

Instructor Biographies:

Dale Feb: Mr. Feb is a recognized expert within the fireplace and chimney industry. He is the lead investigator and senior inspector at F.I.R.E Associates, a nationwide consulting corporation. F.I.R.E. Associates provides professional fireplace, chimney, and venting consulting for residential and commercial applications. Mr. Feb is a pioneer in the hearth industry and has served the hearth and HVAC industry for over 45 years. He is an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator, past chairman of the NFPA 211 Committee, past president of the California Conference of Arson Investigators, serves on several UL task groups, co-authors two UL testing standards, and provides fire investigation services, consulting services, litigation support, criminal investigation, plan review and analysis, industry training, product failure analysis, construction and design analysis, disaster assessment, resale inspection, and more. Mr. Feb is also the CEO, senior editor, and instructor for the F.I.R.E. training program. 

Jacob Feb: Jacob Feb has been involved in the fireplace and chimney industry since 2004. From assisting in the pre-fire inspection of fireplaces, appliances, chimneys, and vents to digging out his first fire scene in 2014. Jacob started his full-time career at F.I.R.E. Associates in November 2018. His job performance requirements consisted of inspections, consulting, and fire investigation throughout the nation. At the same time, Jacob works at F.I.R.E. Service as the education coordinator and co-author of F.I.R.E. Inspector, F.I.R.E. Technician, and F.I.R.E. Mechanics training and certification programs. Jacob Feb is an active member of the NFPA 211 standards committee and a F.I.R.E certified fireplace and chimney inspector. 

Explosion Dynamics

Instructor: Scott Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI

Vapor cloud (fuel air) explosions are complicated phenomena. This course will provide a detailed review of “combustion basics” or required data and physics necessary to understanding fuel-air explosions, which includes experimental research. In addition, methods are described for the investigation of explosion events. Finally, two case studies are provided that describe how advanced methods were applied to determine the root cause of fuel-air explosions. 

Instructor Biography: 

Dr. Scott Davis is the CEO at GexCon US and specializes in the engineering analysis and testing of combustion, thermal, and fluid processes. Dr. Davis received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. Dr. Davis is responsible for fire and explosion related activities, which include post-incident investigative work, experimentation, and performing explosion risk assessment work. He develops and delivers worldwide industrial seminars to owners, investigators, safety engineers, and regulatory agencies, on the hazards associated with gas explosions, dust explosions, and LNG. Dr. Davis has investigated hundreds of fires and explosions, and serves on the technical committee for NFPA 921.