About Us
Fire & Origin Cause Investigation
Forensics Education
Fire-pi is a Minnesota-based, veteran-owned/staffed forensic fire and explosion investigation firm. Lorne Brunner, MS-CFI, holds the Certified Fire Investigator credential; signifying significant time and experience in fire and explosion investigation. In addition, he is one of few fire investigators with a formal forensic education.
We employ a rigorous, ethical and effective approach based on 20 years of active forensic fire and explosion investigation, backed up by 20 years of fighting U.S. Navy ship fires and aircraft fires and post-secondary education in forensics, fire science and law.
We are a family-owned business that has personally experienced fire loss and the insurance coverage process you are experiencing in our own home. We understand your sense of urgency and will respond to your request immediately.
Fire-pi is committed to responsive, comprehensive forensic fire investigation based on the highest professional industry standards in the most expedient manner possible.
We strive to accept/confirm all assignments within 30 minutes of your call and to be on the scene within 72 hours to help expedite fire claims.
Fire-pi will provide responsive, comprehensive forensic fire investigation based on the highest professional industry standards in the most expedient manner possible.
OUR TEAM
Lorne L. Brunner
Court-certified, expert witness, and author of numerous research papers, Lorne is one of few certified fire investigators who hold an advanced education in forensics, as well as post-graduate studies in fire science and the law. His 20-year U.S. Navy career as a Chief Petty Officer called for his leadership and engagement in fighting Navy ship and aircraft fires.
Lorne grew up in a police and fire-fighting family and, as a young man, and personally saw investigations such as the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel Fire, which set the course for the field of forensic fire investigation, as well as his personal interest in forensic fire and explosion investigation. Other sample highlights include:
- Cameroon, Africa, a $600 million explosion destroyed the SONARA petrochemical refinery; Lorne led an international team of forensic investigators who identified the cause amidst military skirmish. Lorne’s 20-year USN career as a Navy Chief, with previous combat experience leading teams, some in Africa, acclimated him well to lead the team amidst this scenario.
- Co-managing the family’s Las Vegas, NV-based fire investigation firm.
- Multi-million dollar SD bar/grill fire: Lead forensic investigator and provided testimony in deposition and trial settings.
- Lead investigator in a prominent, large MN hospitality facility fire.
- Double-fatal apartment complex fire caused more than $5 million in damages, investigating the claim, collecting artifacts, and providing deposition testimony.
- Double-fatal farm dwelling explosion resulting in more than $5 million in successful subrogation.
- Large, commercial vehicle businesses housing multiple vehicles and equipment, impacting multiple businesses.
- Poultry, pork and other commercial ag facilities.
Dawn Fish
Chief Operations Officer
Dawn (Mrs. Brunner) has worked in corporate and nonprofit management, marketing, communications, and major gift fundraising for 35-plus years, including executive leadership with a national nonprofit and a private family foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Metropolitan State University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine’s University, and a master’s degree in legal studies from Purdue University Global. Dawn has been instrumental in the start-up of Fire-pi, developing its brand identity, website and launch.