Jack Ward Fire Consultants

10/28/2026

Today, we honor the brave individuals who answer the call when their communities need them most.

Their courage, dedication, and selfless service make a difference every day, whether responding to emergencies on the front lines or providing critical support behind the scenes.

At Jack Ward Fire Consultants, we recognize and appreciate the individuals who work tirelessly to protect lives, serve their communities, and support those affected by emergencies.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to helping others.

10/23/2026

It’s Fire Recall Friday!

VQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards.

Components on the recalled patio heaters can malfunction causing gas to be released, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. Consumers should stop using the recalled patio heaters immediately, shut the valve at the portable gas source, disconnect the gas hose and contact VQQQ for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to write in permanent marker "Recalled" on the heater’s base and send a photo of the marked heater to [email protected]. Consumers should then dispose of the recalled product.

For more information on this recall or recalls that we’ve featured in the past, please visit this link.

https://jackwardfire.com/fire-recalls/

www.jackwardfire.com

866.559.3473

[email protected]

10/22/2026

At Jack Ward Fire Consultants, our team is constantly elevating their skill set, expanding their reach, and strengthening their expertise through continued education, new accreditations, and additional state licenses.

We are continuously proud of the work our team puts in to stay at the top of the industry standards. Congratulations to Tom Smith, our Evidence Collection Technician for earning his ECT certification through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).
To learn more about Tom, view this link.
https://jackwardfire.com/our-team/tomsmith/

Click here to view our entire team. https://jackwardfire.com/our-team/

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

Congratulations to our CEO/Senior Fire Consultant, David Cheers, on receiving the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Lifetime Member Award! It was presented to him on Monday by IAAI Florida Chapter President, Joseph Pietrafesa.

This recognition reflects David’s longstanding commitment to the fire investigation profession and his continued dedication to advancing the industry through leadership, education, and mentorship.

We are proud to see his years of service and contributions to the fire investigation community recognized with this distinguished honor.

Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved achievement!

www.jackwardfire.com
866.559.3473
[email protected]

10/20/2026

We had a great time at the Southern Loss Association Fall Golf Tournament!
Our Marketing & Event Coordinator, Sara Lemke, was in attendance alongside our Atlanta-based investigator, Brad Stapp.

Georgia is one of the 9 states we cover at Jack Ward Fire Consultants! To view all of our coverage areas, view this link. https://jackwardfire.com/locations/

To learn more about Brad Stapp, click here.
https://jackwardfire.com/our-team/brad-stapp-cfi/

Have a loss, you can submit it three different ways:
https://jackwardfire.com/services/evaluation/
866.559.3473
[email protected]

10/16/2026

It’s Fire Recall Friday!

3M Company Recalls Scotch™ Thermal Laminators Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire Hazard.

The recalled thermal laminators can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using and unplug the recalled thermal laminators immediately and contact 3M Company to receive a full refund. Consumers will be asked to fill out the online recall registration form at
https://www.scotchbrand.com/3M/en_US/scotch-brand/tl1302Z-laminator-recall/, confirm that their laminator is included in the recall and upload a photograph of the laminator with the unplugged power cord cut. The refund, in the form of a check, will be mailed to the consumer upon receipt of the completed form and confirmation that the laminator’s power cord has been cut. Consumers should dispose of the recalled laminator in accordance with local and state laws governing electronics recycling.

For more information on this recall or recalls that we’ve featured in the past, please visit this link.
Http://jackwardfire.com/fire-recalls/

www.jackwardfire.com
[email protected]
866.559.3473

10/14/2026

Investigative Insights: The Area of Most Damage Isn’t Always the Area of Origin.

When a fire is extensive, it can be tempting to assume that the area with the most severe damage is where the fire started. But fire patterns, heat movement, and damage throughout a vehicle or structure can tell a very different story.

Take one of our recent bus investigations: The engine area sustained significant fire damage, making it easy to assume the fire originated there. However, our investigation determined that the fire was heat produced by friction from the blown inner rear tire, which ignited the undercarriage of the vehicle.

An inexperienced investigator could have stopped at the most heavily damaged area and reached the wrong conclusion.

That’s why determining origin and cause requires more than simply looking at where the damage is greatest. Many of our investigators including the one who handled this particular loss, Anthony Ferrone, have specialty training in the complex nature of vehicle fires.

Our team examines the evidence, fire patterns, mechanical components, and other contributing factors to determine where the fire started—and why.

Have a fire loss? You can submit it three ways.

https://jackwardfire.com/services/evaluation/
866.559.3473
[email protected]

10/12/2026

Hurricane Fire Safety: The Risks Don’t End When the Storm Does.

Hurricanes can create unique fire hazards before, during, and after a storm. For insurance professionals, understanding these hazards can be important when evaluating a loss.

Generators: Improper generator use can lead to fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and electrical damage. Generators should be operated outdoors, at least 20 feet away from the home or building, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows, and vents. They should never be connected directly to a building without a properly installed transfer switch.

Fuel: Gasoline and other fuels should be stored in approved containers and kept away from ignition sources. Refueling a hot generator can create an additional fire hazard.

Electrical systems: Flooding, wind damage, and power surges can compromise electrical components and wiring. Electrical equipment that has been exposed to water may present a fire hazard even after the water has receded.

After the storm: Downed power lines, damaged electrical systems, fuel leaks, and improperly operated generators can all contribute to post-storm fires.

When a fire occurs following a hurricane, determining whether the fire was caused by storm damage, electrical failure, generator use, fuel, or another source requires a thorough origin and cause investigation.

At Jack Ward Fire Consultants, our investigators have the experience and specialized knowledge to investigate fire losses and help insurance professionals understand what happened and why.

www.jackwardfire.com
866.559.3473
[email protected]

10/09/2026

As Hurricane Isaias approaches, taking precautions can help protect you, your family, and your property. Keep these important safety tips in mind:

Hurricanes bring more than wind and water. Downed power lines, flooding, generators, electrical damage, and storm-related debris can all create serious fire hazards.

As hurricane season continues, take a few extra steps to protect your home and property:

-Unplug nonessential electronics before the storm
-Stay far away from downed power lines
-Operate generators outdoors, away from doors, windows, and vents
-Never use electrical equipment that has been exposed to floodwater until it has been properly evaluated
-Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible
-Keep grills and other open flames well away from structures

Prepare for the storm. Protect against the fire.

www.jackwardfire.com
866.559.3473
[email protected]