Meier Fire Blog

You See Ashes… At Meier Fire, We See Answers

By - Richard Meier

It was a very good month!

January was a fantastic month for me. I was invited to join the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. I was accepted on ASTM’s Committee on E58 Forensic Sciences. Most importantly I testified in a criminal trial and helped to keep an innocent person out of prison.  I alway told people that my job as a fire investigator is to help

By - Richard Meier

Dangerous Effects of Water on Appliances and Electronics

[updated 10/22/2018] A year later and this information is still relevant. Our home state of Florida is just beginning the long recovery process from the deadly impact of Hurricane Michael and it appears that with a warming climate, water related weather events are becoming more frequent and more powerful. As we speak, the Texas hill country is bracing for yet

By - Richard Meier

Is St. Petersburg Going Solar?

According to an article today in the Tampa Bay Times, there is currently a proposal in the St. Pete city council to make solar power mandatory on new home construction and major renovations.  If passed, it would make St. Pete the second city in Florida to require solar power, after South Miami. http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/st-petersburg-proposal-would-require-solar-panels-on-new-homes-and-major/2335594 As with the introduction of any new

By - Richard Meier

Latest Fire Related Consumer Product Recalls

The following products have been recalled by their manufacturers/retailers… Fred’s Recalls Charcoal Grills Due to Fire Hazard 212        Living Traditions Mini Barrel Charcoal Grill Name of product:  Mini barrel charcoal grills Hazard:  The exterior paint on the grill can ignite, posing a fire hazard. Sweet Bamboo Recalls Children’s Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard 409     

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 - 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 - 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