Updated: October 3, 2024
The new acquisition strengthens the firm’s specialty fire research capabilities internationally
EAST PROVIDENCE, USA – SEPTEMBER 2024: Halliwell, the loss consulting firm specializing in engineering, forensic investigation and construction consulting has expanded its scientific fire research capabilities following the integration of fire and toxicological sciences specialist, FireTox, into the business. The move will expand Halliwell Fire Research service line and strengthen the firm’s international footprint, introducing a permanent US presence alongside existing fire research operations and services in Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and the UK/EMEA.
FireTox specializes in advancing knowledge in the fields of fire and toxicological sciences by providing expert services in the areas of forensic investigation, fire protection engineering, fire safety research, and training. The team offers fire, explosion, and toxicological investigation and litigation support services for small and large-scale losses; specialty areas include fire-related deaths and injuries, product failures, code compliance, and design deficiencies. FireTox also provides fire protection engineering services such as fire and life safety system design, constructability review, and risk assessment.
The team will operate and offer its specialty services under the Halliwell Fire Research service line, led by Dr. Jamie McAllister, who is a licensed fire protection engineer, toxicologist, certified fire investigator, and certified safety professional. Dr. McAllister holds a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering and has more than two decades of experience in research and investigation of fire, combustion, and toxicological incidents and has driven change in fire prevention and investigation standards.
Per Olsson, Director, Halliwell Fire Research, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie and her FireTox colleagues to our Halliwell Fire Research team. Her renowned expertise in advanced fire toxicological science and practice field experience in complex fire investigation cases will bring additional benefits to our global clients. With this new addition, our combined experience in fire prevention and fire investigation equips us with expanded capabilities to comprehensively identify deficiencies in existing practices and recognize areas of potential improvements in fire safety and product design through focused research efforts.”
Dr. Jamie McAllister, Director, commented: "We've established a market-leading business that excels in providing expert services to the insurance, legal, and related industries. We work as fire investigators to determine the origin, cause, and responsibility for losses, and we use this knowledge to inform our engineering designs and direct our research initiatives. Becoming part of the esteemed Halliwell group as part of their Fire Research practice allows us to broaden our services, extend our international reach, and continue our mission to prevent or minimize the devastating impacts of fire. This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our team."
The integration of FireTox into Halliwell follows the asset purchasing agreement of FireTox by the firm in May. It marks the latest expansion of the Halliwell group of companies globally, which is building a multifaceted offering around very specialized science-based fire research risk, damage, and safety alongside other loss consulting, forensic engineering, construction and chartered surveying services.
Chad Zielinski, Vice President, Halliwell US, added: “Dr. Jamie McAllister and her team of fire protection engineers will strengthen our existing technical, financial, and scientific expertise. They will bring new sophisticated capabilities as we continue to enhance Halliwell’s multi-disciplinary suite of advisory services tailored to support our clients in the US when they face complex claims and seek to mitigate potential risk situations.”
ABOUT HALLIWELL FIRE RESEARCH
Founded in 1964, Halliwell is a leading loss consulting firm providing comprehensive services across engineering, forensic investigation and construction consulting to corporations, insurance companies, law firms and government agencies in locations across the globe. Halliwell specializes in forensic fire and technical investigations, construction management services, building envelope assessments, technical evaluations of energy, petro/chemical, heavy machinery, manufacturing and industrial equipment, CAT assistance, dispute resolution, and more.
Learn more at: https://halliwellglobal.com
