Turnaround
Reports delivered promptly. Rush response available for time-sensitive losses. Scene response the same day when needed.
Independent
Origin
& Cause
Investigations.
Independent fire origin and cause investigations for insurance carriers, SIUs, law firms, corporations, public agencies, and subrogation professionals.
- IAAI-CFI (V)(M) certified
- NAFI-CFEI certified
- Certified K9 team
- CA PI License #190131
- Rush response available
Services
What TFI investigates.
Every investigation is conducted using the scientific method outlined in NFPA 921 and supported by thorough documentation, evidence-based analysis, and defensible conclusions suitable for insurance claims, subrogation, and litigation.
Residential structure
Full scene documentation, origin and cause analysis, and a narrative report suitable for claims and litigation.
Commercial structure
Complex loss investigations including multi-unit occupancy, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Vehicle fires
Passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and total-loss claims, including subrogation-focused analysis.
Wildfire / WUI
Origin and cause investigation in wildland-urban interface zones across NorCal's most challenging terrain.
For SIU and subrogation teams
What insurance clients need to know.
Report quality
Findings based on evidence, not assumptions, supported by thorough documentation, clear reporting, and defensible conclusions under NFPA 921.
Territory
Serving Northern California. Statewide assignments considered by arrangement.
Expert witness
Available for consultation, deposition testimony, and expert witness services when requested.
Tank
Certified IGL Detection K9
Certified ignitable liquid detection
Meet Tank.
Tank assists with scene examinations and the identification of potential ignitable liquid evidence that may not be visible during a visual examination — then a confirmed sample supports the finding in the lab.
Every fire scene is different. Tank adds another layer to the investigation by helping identify areas that may warrant additional examination and laboratory testing.
- CertifiedThird-party
- 2022Team since
- IGLEvidence support
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What does Terry Fire Investigations do?
Terry Fire Investigations provides independent fire origin and cause investigations for insurance carriers, SIUs, attorneys, corporations, public agencies, and subrogation professionals. Every investigation follows NFPA 921 methodology and is documented for claims, subrogation, and litigation.
Who do you work with?
Insurance carriers, SIU units, attorneys, subrogation professionals, corporations, and public agencies that need an independent, defensible determination of a fire's origin and cause.
How quickly can you respond to an active loss?
Rush response is available for time-sensitive losses, with same-day scene response when needed. For an active loss, call (209) 605-8656 directly.
What are Matthew Terry's credentials?
Matthew Terry is IAAI-CFI and NAFI-CFEI certified, a California Licensed Private Investigator (CA PI #190131), and a Fire Captain with more than 30 years of fire service experience and hundreds of origin and cause investigations.
Do you work with an ignitable liquid detection K9?
Yes. Tank is a certified Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 who helps locate potential ignitable liquid evidence at fire scenes, focusing evidence collection during the origin and cause investigation.
Active loss? Approved vendor?
Request an Investigator.
Contact Terry Fire Investigations to discuss your assignment.
For active losses or time-sensitive assignments, call directly.