CFI Certified Fire Investigators
Granite Peak Investigations, Inc. is operated by Jeff Laverman and Jaime Fender, providing highly professional and specialized expertise to systematically investigate the origin and cause of fire, explosion, and post-blast scenes for the insurance industry and civil/criminal attorneys. Other services include expert witness testimony, case review, trial preparation, fire code consulting, and secure evidence handling. We are centrally located in Billings, Montana, and serving the western United States.
Our Experience
Jeff has served as Special Agent, Certified Fire Investigator, and Certified Explosives Specialist for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and a full-time member of ATF’s prestigious National Response Team. He has 26 years of experience investigating fire/explosion scenes and is currently an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator. He has participated in the investigation of dozens of the largest and most complex scenes and investigations in the United States and his experience has included the investigation of multi-million dollar loss structure fires/explosions, fatality fires, serial arsonists, and bombers. Additionally, he has investigated hundreds of fire and explosion scenes, residential and commercial, in and around Montana.
Jaime has served as Fire Marshal for the Billings Fire Department (BFD). He has 13 years of experience investigating fire and explosion scenes, both residential and commercial. His experience includes fire code enforcement and interpretation; construction plans review for commercial, residential, and mixed occupancies; fire protection system review, inspection, and acceptance testing; fire and life safety inspections of commercial buildings, industrial facilities, oil and gas facilities, large assembly occupancies, hotels, and assisted living facilities. He is an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator, NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist, and an ICC Certified Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, Fire Plans Examiner, and Fire Code Specialist.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
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“I would rate Granite Peak Investigations 5 stars. Mike was responsive, friendly, professional, and had excellent knowledge. I thought the price of services provided were of good value.” — K.B., Claims Representative
“5 stars all around---It is always a pleasure to work with GPI. They are fast, professional, thorough and responsive.” – J.M., Montana Claims Manager
“Expertise-5 stars yes; Responsive-5 stars yes; Good Value-5 stars yes; Professional-5 stars yes; Comments: Very good responsiveness and quality” – B.B., General Adjuster
Expertise ***** Responsive ***** Good Value ***** Professional ***** Comments: “I think Jeff did an excellent job with his investigation and conveying his findings. Loved the 3D link showing the room in 360 view. I’m hoping I can save that into our old system. The charges for service were very reasonable and appreciated. In addition, I appreciated that he interviewed several other parties.” – J.B., Subrogation Adjuster
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"Expertise, responsive, good value, and professional - all 5 stars! GPI exudes professionalism, knowledge, experience, and efficiency! Thank you! We appreciate you guys!" — J.C., Senior Claims Representative
“Excellent job, thanks, and yes, we were very satisfied.” —T.H., Montana Attorney
“GPI’s service was great, so I would agree to a 5-star rating.” — L.R., Claims Adjuster
“It is always a pleasure working with you.” – T.M., Property Claims Representative
“5 Stars. Very helpful and professional.” – C.C., District Claim Manager
“Granite Peaks gets a 5 star rating from me! Always punctual, professional with quick turnaround and concise reports.” – V.M., Claims Field Supervisor
5 STARS “From my first phone call and every step of the process Granite Peak Investigations has been very responsive and kept our office updated.” –L.B., Insurance Company Manager
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“Jeff’s case review work in a recent court case can be described with one word: INTEGRITY. “ – L.D., Montana Attorney
“Granite Peak Investigations rates 5 stars. The employees were very quick and responsive, thorough in their investigation, have extensive expertise, and great communicators. Very professional and a great value for my needs.” — C.J., Field Claims Representative
“Thanks so much for the great job! I would be happy to do a review for you. You do rate at 5 stars. Your response time was excellent and Jeff did an outstanding job. Extremely professional and very knowledgeable. We will definitely use GPI again.” – M.S., Senior Claims Representative
Expertise 5; Responsive 5; Good Value 5; Professional 5; Comments: “Extremely responsive and thoroughly professional! It was a great pleasure to work with!” – G.B., Property Claims Specialist
Fire Investigator services
ORIGIN & CAUSE
EXPERT WITNESS, CASE REVIEW, TRIAL PREP
FIRE CODE CONSULTING
EVIDENCE STORAGE, DRONE, MATTERPORT
We offer specialized expertise to systematically investigate the origin and cause of fire scenes, both residential and commercial, of all sizes, as well as explosion and post-blast scenes. We use the scientific method and adhere to principles outlined in NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033, which establishes the minimum requirements needed to be considered an expert. Our investigators meet and exceed these requirements.
We have extensive training and experience in the science of fire and how building construction, ventilation, fuel loading, and firefighting tactics affect fire development and progression. We have the capability to explain what happened in a common sense, non-technical manner that a layperson or jury can understand.
Providing you with ExPERIENCE EXPEDIENCY & EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST
AREAs WE SERVE
Centrally located in Billings, Montana, and serve the western United States.
Contact us today for rates and availability.
Meet our team
JAIME FENDER IAAI-CFI
JEFF LAVERMAN IAAI-CFI
Frequently asked questions
Do you only investigate fire and explosions in Billings, Montana?
We work in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota, North Dakota, as well as other western U.S. states depending on their licensing requirements. We are licensed in Montana (PSP-PI-LIC-38230, PSP-PI-LIC-44899) and many states have reciprocal licensing agreements.Are you able to investigate a complex scene involving multiple interests and multi-million dollar loss structures?
Yes. Our investigators have experience working with multiple layers of representatives from law enforcement agencies, insurance loss claims, neighboring homeowners or business owners, utilities, appliance and HVAC, and the like.Are you able to make a determination in a fire or explosion scene?
Historically speaking, fire investigators used to “classify” a scene with a determination of accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined. However, our origin and cause investigations follow the scientific method outlined in NFPA 921 and upon request a full report qualifying with the Federal Rules 26 will be published to the client.Do you offer aerial and drone photography?
We are licensed and equipped to take aerial and drone photography. An aerial view of a fire or explosion scene is very beneficial to the investigation. We are FAA 107 licensed.Do you only work with insurance companies?
We work with parties for scenes that require investigation, including attorneys, individuals, organizations, homeowners, business owners, insurance, and other interested parties.