Vehicle Fire Investigations at MidValley Claims February Meeting
Russ Auker gives thorough look inside the process
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MVCA Secretary, Gaye Bishop, handled the check-in duties at the February meeting.	31 year veteran, Russ Auker gave an inside look into vehicle fires.	Congrats to Barbara Hall, of MCS Claims, and Karla Hall, of RHA, Inc., on their pot of gold winnings.	Attendance is growing again at Mid-Valley Claims luncheon meetings.

"CSI" For Insurance Claims Vehicle Fire Expert, Russ Auker, draws comparison at Feb. meeting By Bryan Harrison Much like the crime scene investigations of the popular TV show, CSI, Russ Auker discussed the level of detail and care taken in dealing with the minutia of vehicle fire investigations. Speaking at the February 17, 2006 luncheon meeting of the Mid-Valley Claims Association, Auker effectively illustrated his point, even utilizing some car parts as part of his presentation. A retired Battalion Chief with the Folsom Fire Department, Auker has 31 years experience in the field. He is now part of the team at Ron Hall & Associates, Inc. He covered a lot of ground, as he began, in discussing the basics of vehicle fire investigations, pointing out numerous things that most people would never consider. For example, he said that, in most instances, a vehicle’s engine is still testable, even on a total burn-out. Many clues may be gleaned in that process. “Total burnouts” can often be done, he said, “in about an hour and a half.” Brake master cylinder/cruise control devises are a primary source of such fires, he said. He went on to spend a good deal of his time talking specifically and in-depth about this problem. The bottom-line is that, if you have cruise control, especially on a Ford car or truck, you should have the control mechanism that’s attached to the master brake cylinder removed. While you’ll no longer have cruise control, you will be able to rest easy knowing the chances of having your car burn will be drastically reduced. He explained that the cruise control mechanism runs a constant electrical flow, and is mounted on the master cylinder, which tends to get really hot. With even a minor spark, this can be a recipe for disaster. He showed Ford parts, and talked at length about Fords, but also stated that it’s not just Fords, but a much broader industry problem. Oil samples are regularly carefully removed and delivered to an independent laboratory for evaluation. Results are pretty quickly available. Often, he said, wear and tear beyond the norm could be motive for fire. Also, many people don’t realize that vapors burn before liquids. Flash burns can be an indication of arson. Russ also dealt with what amounts to myths about car fires starting from such things as dropped cigarettes, and even electrical issues. “Electrical is the hardest to ignite,” he stated flatly. “Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to trip long before a fire might start,” he explained. “Cigarettes will burn a hole, but won’t ignite,” he elaborated. “It’s not glamorous, but down and dirty work,” he said. Time and costs are closely watched, he assured. Thanks to All Our February Door Prize Contributors Fabric Restoration Service Team Dietz Associates Hertz Enterprise Rent a Car Ron Hall & Associates, Inc. MVCA

The CSAA table included Mona Stolte, Jaime Holloway, and Melinda Jensen. Russ Auker shows the cruise control switch at the heart of causation of many a vehicle fire. MVCA President, Don Wood, in action at the February meeting. Barbara Hall and Dennis Keithly, with Marine Claims Services, Inc. at the February luncheon. Rick Boggs, of FrsTeam, with Francie of ServiceMaster, and Melissa, of Primo Clean.

JOIN the Mid-Valley Claims Association for 2006 and Attend the FREE Membership Drive Cocktail Party Mixer Thursday, March 16, 2006 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Dave Wong's 2828 W. March Lane, Stockton free to all current 2006 paid members and their Sig. Others		Then... Please Join the MVCA as we welcome Mr. Dale Thayer Law Office of Thayer, Harvey, Gregerson, Hedberg and Jackson with "Thayer's Top 10 Appellate Opinions" click for bio

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