Expertise.
Clarity.
Peace of Mind.
Delivered Promptly.
At SMS Forensic Engineering, we don’t speculate. We validate.
Our investigations are grounded in deep experience, powered by engineering-first expertise, and designed to deliver peace of mind when the stakes are highest.
We provide defensible reports, expert recommendations, and full-service oversight to help insurers, legal professionals, and property managers resolve complex claims and post disaster events with confidence.
We're passionately committed to delivering:
EXPERTISE, CLARITY &
PEACE OF MIND
We promptly deliver what matters most when the stakes are highest — Expertise you can trust, Clarity you can act on, and Peace of Mind rooted in process, evidence, and transparency.
Our investigations are grounded in deep experience, powered by engineering-first expertise, and driven by an unwavering commitment to uncover the truth.
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We don’t speculate. We validate.
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We don’t guess. We test, analyze, and prove.
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We shine a light on the facts — and call out the gaps with measured insight.
With every assignment, we provide our clients with the confidence to move forward — backed by facts, supported by evidence, and designed to stand up to the highest scrutiny.
Our Services
Our Areas of Forensic Expertise
Forensic engineering applies science and engineering to uncover why systems fail. We investigate fires and systems malfunctions—using site examinations, material analysis, design evaluations, root cause analysis, as well as deep research to deliver clear, evidence-based conclusions. Our findings support insurance claims, legal cases, and risk mitigation with objective insight that helps prevent future failures.
Fire & Explosion Investigations
From ashes to answers - investigating fire and explosions. We determine the origin and cause using NFPA 921 methodology, thorough scene analysis, and subject matter expert insight—delivering clear, defensible findings to support insurance claims, legal proceedings, and loss prevention.
Mechanical Subject Matter Expertise
Uncovering the cause behind mechanical failures. We investigate breakdowns, leaks, and equipment malfunctions to determine what went wrong and why. From chiller systems to boilers and piping systems, ductwork and other mechanical equipment, our mechanical experts deliver clear, evidence-based insight to support insurance claims and legal cases.
Electrical Subject Matter Expertise
Revealing the truth behind electrical failures. We investigate electrical systems, components, and devices to determine the cause of failures, fires, or outages. From residential panels to commercial equipment, utility systems, and vehicles, we deliver clear, evidence-based conclusions to support claims, litigation, and safety assessments.
Fire Protection Systems
Subject Matter Expertise
Expert analysis when safety systems fall short. We investigate sprinkler and suppression system failures to uncover why components failed. Whether due to design flaws, malfunctions, or maintenance issues, we deliver clear, evidence-based findings to support claims, litigation, and safety improvements.
Restoration Services
Post-disaster insight. Restoration-ready support. We evaluate post disaster damage following fires, smoke damage and water damage. We document damage and communicate it to restoration contractors for quick turn around. The breadth of our engineering and contract administration teams means we can turn around design drawings when the need arises
Meet the Team Behind the Truth
Our forensic division is powered by seasoned professionals with deep expertise in electrical, mechanical, and fire investigation. Each assignment is led by a licensed engineer or certified investigator who brings precision, integrity, and decades of experience to the work. From origin and cause to courtroom-ready reports, our team delivers engineered clarity at every step.
Chris Hewitt
President, Senior Electrical Engineer, Certified
Fire and Explosion Investigator.
Engineer. Strategist.
Truth-finder. I deliver my experitise with unmatched technical depth and a commitment to clarity.
Melanie Cairns
Forensic Electrical Engineer
Engineer. Investigator. Problem-solver. I'm an Electrical Engineer and Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with a proven track record of over 600 investigations involving electrical failures and origin-and-cause analysis. My work encompasses a wide range of cases involving structures, vehicles, appliances and complex systems.
Stirling Walkes
Principal, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Builder. Collaborator. Problem-solver. I bring practical insight and on-site expertise to SMS Forensic Engineering, ensuring restoration work meets scope, standards, and expectations.
Straso Blazevski
Associate Partner, Senior Electrical Engineer
Analyst. Diagnostician. Electrical Expert. I specialize in uncovering electrical failures and fire ignition sources, delivering clear, evidence-based conclusions clients can trust.
Jordan Bull
Partner, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Engineer. Systems Thinker. Mechanical Specialist. I investigate mechanical failures with precision—bringing deep expertise in equipment, piping, and building systems to every forensic assignment.
Allan Baskin
Partner, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Engineer. Code Expert. Fire Protection Specialist. I investigate fire protection system failures with precision—applying deep knowledge of mechanical systems, codes, and safety standards to uncover what went wrong and why it matters.
Trenton Lalonde
Associate, Senior Mechanical Designer
Contemplator. Out of box thinker. I investigate piping failures in water, waste and natural gas systems.
Gavin Stewart
Partner, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Engineer. Leader. Mechanical Strategist. I bring decades of design and systems expertise to forensic investigations—connecting mechanical insight with practical solutions that stand up to scrutiny.
Who We Are Best Suited To Serve
✔ Insurance Industry: Precise investigations to support confident claims decisions
✔ Legal Industry: Evidence-based engineering for litigation and expert testimony
✔ Property Managers: Expert insight to reduce risk and prevent future failures
✔ Manufacturers: Clarity you can rely on when systems or products fail
Why Choose SMS Forensic Engineering?
Why Insurers, Lawyers, and Property Managers Choose SMS:
✔ Licensed Forensic Engineers, not Generalists.
✔ Fast Preliminary Reporting (3-day average turnaround)
✔ Licensed Forensic Engineers, not generalists
✔ Engineering-First Credibility That Holds Up in Court
✔ Seamless Coordination with Restoration Contractors
✔ Built-In Oversight from Cause to Completion
✔ Reports that Stand Up to Scrutiny
“Forensic engineering isn’t about opinion — it’s about engineered truth that holds up when everything else has fallen apart.”
– Melanie Cairns
Forensic Electrical Engineer