--- title: "Fire Investigation Expert’s Testimony is Crucial to Establishing the Defendants’ Alleged Negligence" meta: "og:description": "The Court, based on his qualifications, determined the fire investigation expert was qualified to opine on the origin of the fire" "og:title": "Fire Investigation Expert’s Testimony is Crucial to Establishing the Defendants’ Alleged Negligence" author: "Expert Witness Profiler" description: "The Court, based on his qualifications, determined the fire investigation expert was qualified to opine on the origin of the fire" --- # Fire Investigation Expert’s Testimony is Crucial to Establishing the Defendants’ Alleged Negligence Posted on March 20, 2025 by Expert Witness Profiler Cindy Jostworth’s insurance carrier, American Strategic Insurance Corp. (ASIC), has filed a negligence claim against Craig and Elizabeth Meyer. ASIC, acting under its right of subrogation, asserted that the Meyers’ negligent burning of yard waste and debris resulted in a fire that spread and destroyed Jostworth’s residential property at 5558 Silverpoint Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio. Plaintiff’s forensic engineer and fire investigator [Kevin Cronan, P.E.](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/expert-witness/Kevin-Cronan/1563333) concluded that the Meyers’ actions caused the fire. Arguing that Ohio law requires a private investigator license, the Defendants claimed that Cronan’s testimony is inadmissible because neither he nor U.S. Forensic possesses such a license. ## **Fire Investigation Expert Witness** [Kevin Cronan](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/expert-witness/Kevin-Cronan/1563333) holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in 27 states, including Ohio. He also possesses numerous fire certifications, has extensive experience in fire investigations, and volunteers with the fire department. [Get the full story on challenges to Kevin Cronan’s expert opinions and testimony with an in-depth Challenge Study.](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/order/add?eId=1563333&pId=3)  ## **Discussion by the Court** In light of Cronan’s demonstrated expertise and qualifications, the Court deemed him capable of providing expert testimony on the matter. [National Fire Protection Association 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (“NFPA 921”)](https://atapars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/atapars.com-NFPA-921-2004.pdf) recommends that fire investigators follow a six-step method: “(1) identify the problem, (2) define the problem, (3) collect data, (4) analyze the data, (5) develop a hypothesis using inductive reasoning, and (6) test the hypothesis using deductive reasoning.” The Court ruled that Cronan’s fire investigation, conducted in accordance with the NFPA 921, provided a reliable basis for his expert opinions. Moreover, the Defendants’ attempt to block Cronan’s testimony on the fire’s origin and cause is misplaced. This testimony is crucial to establishing the Defendants’ alleged negligence and, therefore, is clearly relevant. ## **Held** The Court denied the Defendants’ motion to exclude the testimony of Kevin Cronan. ## **Key Takeaway:** Court upheld the admissibility and reliability of expert fire investigation testimony, even in the face of challenges regarding licensing, by confirming that the expert’s qualifications and adherence to established industry standards (NFPA 921) were sufficient. ## **Case Details:** --- ## **You Might Also Like** ![Corrections Expert's Standard of Care Testimony Admitted](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-23T161938.085.jpg) [**Corrections Expert’s Standard of Care Testimony Admitted**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/fire-investigation-experts-testimony-is-crucial-to-establishing-the-defendants-alleged-negligence/corrections-experts-standard-of-care-testimony-admitted)![Human Resources Expert Allowed to Opine on Termination](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-22T200052.311.jpg) [**Human Resources Expert Allowed to Opine on Termination**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/fire-investigation-experts-testimony-is-crucial-to-establishing-the-defendants-alleged-negligence/human-resources-expert-allowed-to-opine-on-termination)![Neuropsychology Expert Not Allowed to Opine on Cognitive Decline](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-22T144728.528.jpg) [**Neuropsychology Expert Not Allowed to Opine on Cognitive Decline **](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/fire-investigation-experts-testimony-is-crucial-to-establishing-the-defendants-alleged-negligence/neuropsychology-expert-not-allowed-to-opine-on-cognitive-decline)![Human Factors Expert Not Allowed to Opine on the Tile](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-21T191749.960.jpg) [**Human Factors Expert Not Allowed to Opine on the Tile**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/fire-investigation-experts-testimony-is-crucial-to-establishing-the-defendants-alleged-negligence/human-factors-expert-not-allowed-to-opine-on-the-tile)![Insurance Expert Not Allowed to Opine on Legal Duties](https://ewp-blog.expertwitnessprofiler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/blog-pic-640X480-2026-04-21T155751.487.jpg) [**Insurance Expert Not Allowed to Opine on Legal Duties**](https://expertwitnessprofiler.com/fire-investigation-experts-testimony-is-crucial-to-establishing-the-defendants-alleged-negligence/insurance-expert-not-allowed-to-opine-on-legal-duties)