Chris joined Burgoynes in 1972 following completion of his PhD studies on factors influencing the risk of the accidental ignition of naval fuels. Since joining Burgoynes he has been continuously engaged in the scientific investigation of fires, explosions and hazardous chemical incidents worldwide, in both land and marine environments. Land based investigations have ranged from major incidents involving petrochemical and chemical plants/depots and large industrial and commercial premises to domestic premises and household appliances. Chris has also given advice on fire precautions in hotels and commercial premises.

Marine investigations have involved all types of vessel, including passenger ships, VLCC’s, chemical tankers, general cargo and bulk carriers, container ships, dredgers and pipe laying barges. Incidents investigated include those resulting from engine room and accommodation fires and explosions and missile strikes. Marine cargo incidents dealt with include those involving crude oil and other petroleum products, l.p.g., chemicals, pesticides and containerised cargoes. Chris has provided technical support and advice to assist in the resolution of live cargo fires. He has also provided advice in connection with cargo quality and contamination disputes involving oils and refined petrochemicals, chemical products and bulk cargoes.

Some notable incidents that Chris has investigated include the Flixborough disaster, the Kings Cross underground fire, the fire on the cruise liner “ROMANTICA”, the fire in the Mont Blanc vehicle tunnel and the Buncefield explosion. Chris has frequently given evidence as an expert witness in both the High Court and Criminal courts in the UK. He has also given expert testimony in courts in Greece, Ireland, Singapore and South Africa.

Chris has published numerous technical papers in the academic and general press, and has also contributed a chapter in the textbook “The Forensic Investigation of Explosions”. He serves in rotation on the Editorial Board of the Fire Safety Journal. He has chaired a task-group of the Arson Control Forum Intervention Group set up by the Home Office that reviewed protocols for investigating fires of suspicious origin and fire investigation training on a national scale.