At INFOCUS Fire Investigations, we specialize in uncovering the origin and cause of fires with precision, integrity, and unmatched expertise. With a commitment to truth and a focus on detail, our certified investigators bring clarity to complex fire scenes, supporting insurance companies, legal teams, and public safety agencies with thorough, unbiased findings.
INFOCUS Fire investigations
Scott Kuhlman is a leading Certified Fire Investigator, bringing 26 years of specialized expertise from over 2,600 origin and cause investigations. His distinguished career is built on a 30-year foundation as a professional firefighter and Fire Investigator with the Orange County Fire Authority, where he gained extensive hands-on experience in complex fire scenes across residential, commercial, industrial, wildland, and vehicular environments. For more than a decade, Investigator Kuhlman has applied this deep knowledge in the private sector, conducting meticulous investigations for insurance companies to determine origin, cause, and liability in high-stakes cases. He is adept at working with adjusters and clients through every stage of the process, from initial scene inspection and analysis to presenting clear, defensible findings in court. Investigator Kuhlman’s authority in the field is underscored by his commitment to advancing the science of fire investigation. A recognized leader, he was selected twice (2016 and 2023) to the California State Cadre to develop the state’s official Fire/Arson Investigation curriculum. He has completed over 2,200 hours of comprehensive training and dedicated more than 2,500 hours to instructing fellow professionals. His influence as an educator extends across numerous prestigious programs. Investigator Kuhlman chairs and instructs at the Fresno City College four-week Fire Investigation Academy, serves as an adjunct instructor at San Diego Miramar College, and instructs the NWCG FI-210: Wildland Fire Investigation course. In 2024, his expertise was sought internationally when he provided origin and cause training for the Cambodia Fire Department. As a respected voice in the community, he is a past President (2024-2025) and the current Chair for Regional Training for the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI). He further shares his expertise as co-host of two industry podcasts, the top-rated Fire Investigation InFocus and Hot Pursuit. Investigator Kuhlman holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration with a focus on Fire Investigation, a second Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, and an Associate of Arts in Fire Science. His significant contributions have been honored with multiple awards from the CCAI, including:
- Member of the Year (2018)
- Presidential Award (2020)
- Board Member of the Year (2022)
