You might not have any claims dealing with ice damming on your desk right now. However, winter will be here before we know it.

In the last three issues of The Investigative Engineer, we have introduced you to the subtleties of chimneys, fireplaces, and the developments that could result in large losses due to fires. In addition, we have used past events to illustrate the need for a comprehensive, objective evaluation of chimneys and fireplaces. The evaluation is important in order to make an informed decision when it comes to repairing or replacing chimneys and fireplaces that have been determined to have been involved in the cause of a fire. Equally important is the need for a "second opinion" when it comes to evaluating the need for replacing or removing a "dangerous" wood-burning fireplace with a "safer" gas-log fireplace.

This is the third article in a series on the topic of fireplace & chimney maintenance, fires, gas conversions and more. In the last article we discussed masonry fireplaces and chimneys, their care and use. This article will introduce pre-fab or zero-clearance fireplaces.

This is the second in a series of articles on the topic of fireplace and chimney maintenance, fires, gas conversions and more.

In this issue and over the next several months The Investigative Engineer will discuss the trend towards fireplace and chimney gas conversions, maintenance, chimney fires and more.

Last month's newsletter introduced 3 of the elements of the scientific method. This month we will finalize this 3 part series as we explore the final 3 steps to "Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method."

Roof designs for buildings in the mountains of Colorado should not be the same as those in southern California. Roofs in cold, snowy climates require special considerations to function well. Ignoring these differences can lead to impractical, problematic roofs that require excessive maintenance.

Last month we discussed how fire investigation has evolved and how today's experts rely more on science and less on myth than their predecessors. Advances in technology and education have increased the standards in conducting a thorough fire scene investigation.

This month we will start taking a look at the specific steps to "Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method."

For years, tenured fire investigators would impart their varied skills and wisdom upon fire scenes as they kicked through the ashes looking for the mysterious cause of a fire. Their uncanny ability to determine the cause of a fire in a matter of hours; sometimes minutes; and on occasion in moments, was awe-inspiring and fodder for the making of legends.

Each year thousands of workers are injured or killed in confined spaces. In many instances the confined space was not recognized or the potential danger downplayed.