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Experience. Training. Credibility.
Thirty years in the fire service. Hundreds of origin and cause investigations. Professional credentials and certifications supported by evidence-based methodology and clear, defensible reporting.
Matthew Terry
IAAI-CFI · Fire Captain
About Matthew Terry
Certified Fire Investigator. K9 Handler. Fire Captain
More than 30 years in the fire service and hundreds of origin and cause investigations, supported by nationally recognized fire investigation credentials, evidence-based methodology, and clear, defensible reporting.
Matthew Terry is a U.S. Air Force veteran, Fire Captain, Fire Investigator, and California Licensed Private Investigator with more than 30 years of fire service experience. He has completed hundreds of origin and cause investigations involving structure, vehicle, wildland, marine, and fatal fires.
As owner and principal investigator of Terry Fire Investigations, Matt provides independent origin and cause investigations for insurance carriers, SIU units, attorneys, and subrogation firms throughout Northern California.
His investigative approach is grounded in NFPA 921 methodology, thorough documentation, clear reporting, and evidence-based conclusions.
Credentials
Current certifications & licenses.
Fire investigation
- IAAI-CFI
- IAAI Motor Vehicle Endorsement
- IAAI Marine Endorsement
- NAFI-CFEI
- California State Fire Marshal Certified Fire Investigator
Legal & investigative
- California Licensed Private Investigator
- Expert Witness Testimony Training
- POST PC 832
Specialized resources
- Certified Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 Team with Tank
Fire service background
- Fire Captain / Paramedic
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Technical Rescue Team experience
Continuing education
Continuing education includes formal fire investigation courses, IAAI-CFI Trainer modules, marine and vehicle fire investigation training, evidence handling, fire dynamics, electrical analysis, and legal proceedings.
Experience
Professional experience.
Owner / Principal Fire Investigator
Independent fire origin and cause investigations for insurance carriers, SIU units, attorneys, and subrogation firms throughout Northern California. Services include residential, commercial, vehicle, marine, and wildland fire investigations, litigation support, and K9-assisted scene examinations.
Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 Handler
Certified ignitable liquid detection K9 team with Tank. Conducts scene examinations, evidence identification, sample collection, and documentation in support of origin and cause investigations.
Fire Investigator
Assigned district fire investigator conducting origin and cause investigations in accordance with NFPA 921 methodology. Hundreds of investigations involving residential, commercial, vehicle, wildland, and fatal fires.
Fire Captain
Company officer responsible for emergency operations, incident command, personnel supervision, and training. Member of the Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Teams.
Firefighter / Paramedic
Provided fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and hazardous materials response while progressing through the ranks.
United States Air Force
USAF Honor Graduate.
Ready when you are
Need a qualified investigator?
Request an assignment or contact Terry Fire Investigations to discuss your case.
(209) 605-8656