NSW Association of Fire Investigators
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Apr
16
Past Event
NSWAFI Education Night - Depth Of Calcination In Gypsum Plasterboards During Fire Exposure
19:00 – 20:00
TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI
You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of:
Depth Of Calcination In Gypsum Plasterboards During Fire Exposure
This presentation explores methods for predicting the depth of calcination in gypsum plasterboards during fire exposure. Researchers utilised both experimental measurements and numerical modelling to create accurate correlations between heat flux and material degradation.
The study highlighted the chemical dehydration process that occurs when gypsum is heated, causing it to become brittle and change colour. Furthermore, the project investigated the use of digital image processing and artificial intelligence to identify lines of demarcation on fire-damaged walls. These advanced AI-driven edge detection methods significantly outperformed traditional algorithms, offering a more precise tool for fire investigators to analyse burn patterns. This multifaceted approach aims to improve the scientific accuracy of fire scene reconstruction and forensic analysis.
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Dr Gregory E. Gorbett is a full-time Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, teaching in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Program. Dr Gorbett is also a professional Fire and Explosion Analyst with Fire Dynamics Analysts. He holds National Board Certification as a CFEI, IAAI-CFI, and CFPS
Dr Gorbett holds two BS degrees: (1) Forensic Science and (2) Fire Science. He also holds two MS degrees: (1) Executive Fire Service Leadership and (2) Fire Protection Engineering. He also has a PhD in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of NFPA 1033, OSAC, and the CFI certification committee of IAAI.
WHEN: Thursday, 16 April 2026 TIME: 19:00 hours AEDT
RSVP: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided with your booking confirmation email.
REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings.
If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost to attend this education night is $10, payable through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members can book for free.
Feb
19
Past Event
NSWAFI Education Night - Testing the Hypotheses - Throwing Petrol at a Candle
18:00 – 19:00
TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI
You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of:
Testing the Hypotheses – Throwing Petrol at a Candle
In the early morning hours of 17 March 2021, Mr Todd Bradmore was found with severe burns to about 80% of his body in the front of his property in Adelaide, South Australia (SA). He later died from his injuries. The deceased was holding a lit candle at the time he was in an argument with Mr Alessandro Cavuoto. It was the prosecution case that Mr Cavuoto threw petrol at the deceased and was subsequently charged him with murder.
This presentation is about how South Australian Police (SAPOL) and the SA Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) wanted to know the ignition sequence if someone was to throw petrol at another person who was holding a lit candle. The ODPP also had other scenarios that they wanted answers too. The presentation goes through the testing conducted over 2 days and then the court testimony during the trial.
The presenter is Michael Forbes who has been with Fire Rescue NSW for 32 years. He has been with the Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) since 2007. He was a Fire Investigator for 14 years and is currently the Team Leader Fire Research. He has investigated over 800 fires and testified as an expert on 25 occasions. He also currently holds the IAAI-CFI and the NAFI-CFEI.
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WHEN: Thursday, 19 February 2026 TIME: 18:00 hours AEST
RSVP: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided with your booking confirmation email.
REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings.
If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost of attending this education night is $10, which can be paid through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members as well as FICoP members can book for free
Dec
11
2025
Past Event
2025 End of Year Function - LA PIAZZA RISTORANTE, Bankstown Sports Club
La Piazza Ristoronte
18:30 – 22:00
Join us to celebrate the end of another year!
The event is being held a La Pizza Ristorante, Bankstown Sports Club commencing at 18:30hrs on Thursday 11 December, 2025. Ticket includes:
ENTRÉE TO SHARE
Marinated Olives (GF, VG)
Foccacia
Oregano, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (VG)
Burrata
Red Pepper Relish (GF, V)
Fried Calamari
Aioli, Lemon (GF)
Sicilian Prawns
Tomato Sugo, Garlic, Chilli, White Wine (GF)
Proscuitto
Rocket, Pear, Pecorino (GF)
MAINS TO SHARE
Select 3 Pizza and 3 Pasta
SIDES
Caesar Salad
Chips (GF)
The NSW AFI will be subsidising this for members, so don't miss out on this opportunity to catch up and network.
Oct
02
2025
Past Event
NSWAFI Education Night - Kitchen Fires and Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems: Understanding Their Role in Commercial Kitchens
19:00 – 20:30
TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF NSWAFI
You are invited to attend an Education Night run by the NSW Association of Fire Investigators Inc. on the subject of:
Kitchen Fires and Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems: Understanding Their Role in Commercial Kitchens
Commercial kitchen fires are a frequent hazard in the hospitality and food service industries. AS 3772 – Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems provides guidance on the design and maintenance of dedicated suppression systems; however, it is not a legislative requirement. Current building codes only call for sprinkler protection, not dedicated kitchen suppression.
This session examines how that gap can leave modern cooking risks under-protected, and why pre-engineered wet-chemical systems are a valuable tool for investigators to understand and advocate where appropriate.
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Mark Goldfeder is a 30-year veteran of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services arena and has been providing career advancement training to fire service and fire protection contractor personnel since 2010. He is the President and Founder of Five Bugles Institute, a Certified Fire Inspector, and the Global Training Partner for Lehavot Advanced Fire Protection Systems. Mark has been an instructor, curriculum developer, and professional presenter for almost 30 years, providing specialised training and education to public service and corporate clients.
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WHEN: Thursday, 2 October 2025 TIME: 19:00 hours AEDT
RSVP: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 17:00 hours AEDT
This presentation will be conducted live over Microsoft Teams. Please complete the online booking form on the NSWAFI website. The Teams Meeting details will be provided 24 hours prior to the event via email.
REMEMBER: You do not need to be a Fire Investigator to attend these evenings.
If you are not a member of the NSWAFI, the cost of attending this education night is $10, which can be paid through the website. ANZFSS, NZAFI, QAFI and VAFI financial members can book for free.
Sep
17
2025
Past Event
VAFI Education Evening - Wind Turbine Fires
18:30 – 20:30
Wind Turbine Fires
Register Here - https://vafi.com.au/public/schedule/events/75102-wind-turbine-fires
Wed, 17 Sep 2025
18:30 - 20:30
Our upcoming VAFI presentation on 17 September 2025 in Geelong will feature guest speakers from Fire Rescue Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria, who will present on two recent wind turbine fire incidents. The session will provide an examination of the circumstances and challenges.
Green energy projects such as wind farms have increased over the decades, and the proliferation of wind turbines across the world has seen a gradual increase in fires involving the nacelle. While Australia has had limited turbine fires overall, Victoria has experienced approximately three incidents in recent years alone, including turbine CNS17 in the Portland Wind Farm that caught fire on 28 June 2024 the first turbine fire in FRV's area since the organization's establishment.
The presentation will focus on the investigation process, emphasizing the joint agency approach as defined in the Victorian Fire Investigation Inter Agency Agreement, and will also cover relevant agency powers and jurisdiction under various legislation.
RSVP is required by 17:00 on 14 September 2025 to attend onsite and online, no late RSVP's will be accepted.
This will be an online and in person event. A link for online attendance will be sent closer to 17 September in a separate email.
Register for this event here!
https://vafi.com.au/public/schedule/events/75102-wind-turbine-fires
Aug
07
2025
Past Event
NSWAFI - Annual General Meeting
18:00 – 19:00
Dear Members,
Please join us for our ONLINE ONLY Annual General Meeting, being held 07 August, 2025 at 18:00hrs.
For those wishing to nominate for positions on the Committee, nominations close at 23:59hrs on the 22nd of July, 2025. To submit your nomination, please fill in the form located here: https://forms.office.com/r/H9ng6AYjcH
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Microsoft Teams Link
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 441 613 175 475 8
Passcode: oV2Tr7Pw
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