Jeff Tanski

Brief History of Fire Investigation

Fire investigator Jeff Tanski owns and operates Veritas Fire Consulting, a firm in Peachtree City, Georgia that offers fire investigation and analysis services. Jeff Tanski has more than 25 years of experience in fire investigation, including fire scene analysis, excavation, reconstruction and processing, and evidence collection.

Fire investigations date back to the era of the Roman Empire when the civil authorities threaten the lives of individuals, security, and welfare of the entire community. During those times, buildings and structures are made of wood and other light materials that are easily combustible. Therefore, civil authorities recognize the importance of investigating fires and determine their causes and origins. These investigations help the leaders identify dangerous domestic practices that can spark a fire. the modern times have benefited from the fire investigations of the era of old, such as the concept of curfew.

It was William the Conqueror who ordered that cooking fire should not be left unguarded, especially during nighttime by damping or covering the fire. such edict, known as couvre feu, translated as “cover the fire,” is the origin of the modern-day concept of curfew.

Fire investigations allow civil authorities to determine whether a fire incident was accidental or deliberately. If the fire is found to be deliberately perpetrated, erring persons become answerable to the civil laws of the land and was charged with arson, a criminal offense punishable by death.

This same rationale underlies present-day fire investigations and analyses. Incendiary fires have to be differentiated from accidental fires so that the arsonist can be brought before the courts of law.

The Importance of a Fire Escape Plan

Fire exit ( Filtered image processed vintage effect. )

A certified fire and explosion investigator with the National Association of Fire Investigators, Jeff Tanski joined Veritas Fire Consulting as president in 2009. Jeff Tanski maintains membership in professional organizations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Fire Protection Association.

In addition to developing fire-related codes and standards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides resources to educate the general public on fire safety in the home. One recommendation is that every family have a clear escape plan in the event of a house fire. Fires can spread quickly through a home, and sometimes families have as little as 2 minutes to escape once they hear a smoke alarm.

Everyone in the home should participate in making the plan. For children, it can be helpful to draw a picture of the floor plan, including two ways out of each room. Walk through your plan, making sure that all windows and doors can be opened easily, even by a child. Designate a meeting plan outside the home (a neighbor’s house, for example) where family members should meet, and be sure the house address is clearly visible from the street. Practice the escape plan several times a year, and update as needed.

A Look at Some of Georgia's Top Hiking Spots

Jeff Tanski brings over two decades of fire investigation experience to his role as the owner of Veritas Fire Consulting in Peachtree City, Georgia. Outside of work, Jeff Tanski enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities, including hiking.

With landscapes featuring everything from mountains to plains and sandy coastlines, Georgia is a popular state for exploring the outdoors. Those who enjoy hiking can find a variety of trails for a relaxing stroll or a strenuous day of challenging climbs.

Georgia’s top options for easy trails include the Yellow Trail in Sweetwater Creek State Park. This 3-mile loop is flat and winding with a minor elevation gain of around 350 feet. The Yellow Trail also takes hikers past the ruins of the New Manchester Mill, a site that was burned down during the Civil War.

Those looking for more of a challenge can head to Cloudland Canyon State Park to hike the 4.8-mile West Rim Loop Trail. While the elevation gain is moderate, hikers can enjoy several scenic vistas along the trail. The area is also home to the 60-foot Cherokee Falls and 90-foot Hemlock Falls.

One of Georgia’s best places for a strenuous hike is the Coosa Backcountry Trail in Vogel State Park. The 12.5-mile loop takes hikers up more than 4,000 feet to the tops of two of the state’s tallest peaks: Slaughter Mountain and Coosa Bald. While the Coosa Backcountry Trail is a challenging day hike, it also works as a two-day backpacking trip. Established campsites are available approximately halfway up the trail.

All About the IAAI’s 2020 International Training Conference

The recipient of a bachelor’s degree in technical education and fire protection from Akron University, Jeff Tanski draws upon more than two decades of relevant experience in his role as a fire investigator at Veritas Fire Consulting. Supplementing this experience, Jeff Tanski maintains membership with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Representing more than 9,000 professionals in the field of fire investigation, the IAAI administers professional certifications, promotes scientific research, and delivers a variety of training programs. Members can complete some of these programs at the IAAI 2020 International Training Conference & Expo at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 26 to May 1.

The six-day conference is attended by the world’s leading fire investigation experts, internationally recognized instructors, and representatives from state and federal departments and agencies. Class titles include, “Arc Melting in Electrical Receptacles Cause or Effect,” “Breaking the Habit: Youth Firesetter Intervention,” and “Fire Sprinkler Systems for the Fire Investigator.”

Attendees are also encouraged to bring their husbands or wives to participate in the week-long Spouse Program that involves excursions and sightseeing in Las Vegas. They can also enter a draw to win a 2020 Indian Scout motorcycle or $10,000 in cash as part of a fund-raiser for the IAAI Foundation.

The IAAI Foundation Scholarship

Jeff Tanski is an accomplished fire and arson investigator with over two decades of experience. In addition to analyzing the causes of fires, Jeff Tanski also provides expert testimony in various court cases. He is the owner of Veritas Fire Consulting, where he leverages a wealth of knowledge, having worked for numerous consulting firms in the course of his career. He is also a member of numerous professional organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association and International Association of Arson Investigators.

The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) is a global professional association consisting of more than 9,000 fire investigation experts. The IAAI Foundation Scholarship is a program sponsored by the International Association of Arson Investigators and its partners. The aim of the scholarship is to financially support selected individuals to advance their expertise in fire/explosion investigation.

Beneficiaries attend the IAAI International Training Conference or other select IAAI Training events. Each year, up to five individuals receive the $1,000 scholarship, which is used to facilitate the payment of registration and accommodation costs of attending these events. To be considered for the scholarship, an applicant must be a current IAAI member or IAAI chapter member.