“Tracing the Flame” - Legal liability, causation and understanding forensic investigation of fire and explosion claims - Farrar's Building

Join property damage barristers and forensic experts as they ‘trace the flame’ in an informative conference and open discussion surrounding the legal causation and investigation of fire and explosion damage claims. We look forward to welcoming delegates from Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Insurance and Legal sectors

Presentations will be delivered by experienced barristers in this field, together with a panel discussion, hosting senior fire and explosion investigation experts.

The conference topics are:

• Commercial fires, legal liability and causation
• Consumer fires, legal liability and causation
• Expert Panel Discussion examining the intersection between forensic findings and legal liability

Registration on the day opens at 15:30, with presentations starting at 16:00.

We do hope you are able to join us at this informative and enjoyable event, which will also contribute towards attendees' continuing competence reporting.

Time and date:

16:00 - 20:00 - Wednesday, 3rd December 2025

Location:

The Bristol
Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QF

Price:

Free of charge

In addition to the conference itself, we would be delighted to have your company in the evening, at our drinks reception, which will be served in the William Jessop Suite until 8pm.

Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

If readers are interested in attending this seminar, please contact our Marketing Manager, Kelly Penstone-Smith, using the booking button below.

Please also contact Kelly if you have any access requirements or special dietary needs.

Speakers

• Mr John Meredith-Hardy

John Meredith-Hardy receives instructions in property damage claims and related recovery actions following damage by flood, fire, explosion, storm and theft. Underlying causes of action include breach of contract, negligence, nuisance and Rylands v Fletcher.

Instructions include those relating to product liability and the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, Sale of Goods Act 1979, Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, Consumer Protection Act 1987 and Consumer Rights Act 2015.

• Mr Andrew Arentsen

Andrew is frequently instructed in property damage cases, many of which are subrogated insurance claims for insurers, involving expert engineering evidence.

Instructions include fire damage claims with expert engineering evidence on the cause of the fire. The usual suspects are faulty electrical equipment such as tumble dryers, dishwashers and washing machines. They have also included faulty heating systems, faulty boilers, faulty electrical wiring and even a rogue running machine. A very recent case, only last week, involved the ignition of soft materials from commercial laundry.

• Mr Lewis Scott

Lewis has a busy property damage practice. He acts in a variety of property damage and construction disputes, including damage by flood, fire, and other catastrophic events. He is regularly instructed by Claimants and Defendants and has experience in pursuing subrogated recovery and third party claims.

Recent successes include negotiating the settlement of a £6 million pound coverage dispute following mediation, and obtaining strike out in the High Court of a fire damage claim pleaded in excess of £2 million.

• Andy Bryce

Since joining Hawkins, Andrew has carried out over 1700 forensic investigations involving engineering, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have covered a great range, from small domestic incidents to multi-million pound losses in shops, warehouses, factories, power stations (gas turbines & compressors), aerospace and marine.

Andrew is experienced in the legal process and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ Courts, County Courts, High Courts, Crown Courts, Coroner’s Courts, mediations and arbitrations on numerous occasions. He is listed as an expert in the Expert Witness Directory.

• Paul Willis

Paul joined Hawkins in 2012 as a fire and explosion investigator and continues to investigate a broad range of incidents in the UK. Paul is also a member of Hawkins specialist International and Shipping Incidents team and has investigated ship fires involving bulk cargo and container ships worldwide.

Paul is a Principal Associate based in the Bristol office.