Rick Carruth
Owner · Senior Fire Investigator
CSFM–CFI
Rick Carruth brings extensive experience and leadership to our team, specializing in origin and cause determination for complex residential and commercial fire losses.
About Us
About AD HOC Fire Investigations
We specialize in providing professional, objective, and expedient fire investigation services to insurance carriers, attorneys, public agencies, and individuals. Our team of certified fire investigators is committed to raising the standard of private fire investigations by delivering fact-based, defensible results on every case.
TrustExpertiseFlexibility
Who We Are
Founded on principles of integrity, expertise, and adaptability, our experienced and highly certified team at AD HOC Fire Investigations approaches every assignment with a tailored strategy to meet the specific needs of each client. We conduct thorough investigations across residential, commercial, industrial, vehicle, and wildland fire losses — supported by detailed evidence collection and expert case analysis. To learn more about the full scope of what we do, visit our Services page.
Meet Our Team
Seasoned Professionals
Our investigators are seasoned professionals, each bringing years of field experience and nationally recognized certifications to every case.
Mike Horta
Senior Fire Investigator
IAAI–CFINAFI–CFEI
Mike Horta offers comprehensive expertise in structural and vehicle fire investigations, with advanced certifications that meet rigorous national standards for fire and explosion analysis.
RJ Perez
Senior Fire Investigator
CSFM–CFI
RJ Perez is a senior-level investigator with a sharp focus on residential and industrial fire origin and cause investigations, consistently delivering unbiased, factual reports.
Mark Mooney
Senior Fire Investigator
NAFI–CFEI
Mark Mooney has extensive field experience investigating commercial structures, vehicle fires, and wildland incidents, with strong technical expertise in evidence analysis.
Sergio Patino
Fire Investigator
CCAI–CFI-TIAAI–ECT/FITNAFI–CFEI
Sergio Patino has specialized certifications in both fire investigation and evidence collection, allowing for detailed scene preservation and expert witness support.
Joe Ferrante
Fire Investigator
CCAI–CFI-TIAAI–ECTIAAI–FITNAFI–CFEI
Joe Ferrante brings extensive experience in structure and vehicle fire investigations, scene documentation, and litigation support. With a background in law enforcement, he applies a disciplined, methodical approach to origin and cause analysis, evidence preservation, and providing clear, defensible findings in support of legal proceedings.
Understanding Our Credentials
The Certifications Behind Our Work
- CSFM–CFI
- California State Fire Marshal — Certified Fire Investigator
- IAAI–CFI
- International Association of Arson Investigators — Certified Fire Investigator
- NAFI–CFEI
- National Association of Fire Investigators — Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator
- CCAI–CFI-T
- California Conference of Arson Investigators — Certified Fire Investigator, Trainee
- IAAI–ECT
- International Association of Arson Investigators — Evidence Collection Technician
- IAAI–FIT
- International Association of Arson Investigators — Fire Investigation Technician
Our Commitment
At AD HOC Fire Investigations, we are committed to delivering accurate, unbiased, and thorough investigations for every case. Our dedication to professionalism, timely reporting, and client-centered service has made us a trusted resource across California — and soon, throughout Nevada and Arizona as well.
Work With a Team You Can Trust
Tell us about your case. A certified investigator will review your request and respond promptly.
Request an Investigation