Meier Fire Blog

You See Ashes… At Meier Fire, We See Answers

By - Richard Meier

Latest Vehicle Fire Related Recalls

(RJ Meier photo) Transportation Collaborative, Inc. has recalled an unspecified number of 2012-2017 Transtech Buses. Certain vehicles equipped air conditioning utilize a 30AMP in-line fuse holder, the fuse holder may overheat and cause a fire. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V399 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling (193) 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles have an engine fuel feed hose and

By - Richard Meier

A Tale of Two States, and Fire Sprinklers

In Alabama, a new law allows plumbers to install fire sprinklers after a 32 hour training course. http://wiat.com/2017/07/06/gov-ivey-signs-bill-to-let-plumbers-install-sprinkler-systems/ Source: Twitter In Hawaii, developers succeeded in extending a state law that thwarts local authorities from adopting their own fire sprinkler requirements.  Their celebration party was cancelled after a fatal fire in a Honolulu hi-rise building with no sprinklers made the national

By - cmeier@meierfire.com

Fire Expert, Richard Meier on HLN

Richard Meier’s latest appearance on HLN. Sad case.  So tragic. Thank you to HLN and Primetime Justice With Ashleigh Banfield for having our own Richard Meier on as a guest last night.  We love being able to share accurate Fire Investigation Science with the public.  Rich talked about the science and procedures involved in a origin and cause investigation.  No

By - Richard Meier

South Miami to Require Solar Power in New Homes

A new ordinance passed in South Miami on July 17, 2017 will require new homes, and homes undergoing major expansion, to be equipped with solar electric panels beginning on Sept. 18, 2017.   A Florida first: South Miami to require solar on new homes What does that mean for the fire investigator?  Another level of technology and complexity that they

By - Richard Meier

Latest Fire Related Vehicle Recalls

KTM North America, Inc. is recalling an unspecified number of 690 Duke model motorcycles. On affected motorcycles, fuel can leak from the filler cap. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V388-9062.PDF Note: While not specifically mentioned in the recall, a fuel leak generally presents a fire hazard. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling an unspecified number of 2014-2015 Coachmen RV, Cross Country and Encounter, and

By - cmeier@meierfire.com

Forensic Friday – Jury Science:  Forensic Experts and Jury Perception.

A recently published study shows that many jurors decide verdicts based on their perception of the expert’s experience and qualifications – rather than their perception and understanding of the scientific rigor of the expert’s methods.  Further, mock jurors in the live study did not place a higher weight on testing evidence in making their decisions, even when they were specifically

By - Richard Meier

Fire Related Consumer Product Recalls

Lumicentro Internacional and Home Depot recall (10,500) Crystal Chandeliers for fire and burn hazards Halogen bulbs installed in the chandeliers can melt or ignite parts of the fixture, creating fire and burn hazards. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Lumicentro-Internacional-with-Home-Depot-Recalls-Crystal-Chandeliers  

By - Richard Meier

This Week’s Fire Related Vehicle Recalls

  Thor Motor Coach has recalled (148) 2018 Outlaw 29H Motorhomes. A 15 amp fuse was installed in place of a 2 amp fuse for the awning circuit, creating a fire risk. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V381-6398.PDF   Entegra Coach has recalled (174) 2012-2015 Cornerstone Motorhomes. The engine starter may malfunction and overheat, creating a fire hazard. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V384-4976.PDF   Triple E Recreational Vehicles has