David e. cantrell iaai-cfi(V), nafi-cfei

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Founded in 2021, aj² Fire Forensics was established by David and Summer Cantrell, with a clear vision: to build a client-focused fire investigation and forensic consulting practice rooted in integrity, expertise, and genuine care for the people they serve. The company is proudly named after their three children — Aydan, Jaxson, and Jorja — reflecting the family-centered values that guide every decision.

David Cantrell, President and Principal Fire Investigator, leads the technical and investigative side of the business. 

What began as a small venture built on unique skills and a relentless work ethic has rapidly grown into a trusted national resource, grounded in strong professional relationships and a reputation for thorough, ethical, and results-driven work.

 David began his public-service career at age 18 with the Hackleburg (Alabama) Fire Department. Over the following two decades, he pursued every available opportunity to master his craft, earning an extensive list of credentials, including:

• Certified Fire Investigator
• Fire Inspector
• Fire Instructor
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Paramedic & Flight Paramedic
• Degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service Management, and a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University

From 2007 to 2013, David served as Assistant Director of the Marion County Emergency Management Agency, where he was Operations Chief during the devastating 2011 tornado outbreak that struck Alabama. He played a key role in immediate response, long-term recovery efforts, grant administration, and community rebuilding initiatives.

In 2014 David entered private-sector fire investigation, first with a large national engineering firm and later helping build a boutique fire investigative unit at a smaller firm. Since then he has investigated scenes and consulted on complex liability and product-failure cases in 48 states, earning the trust of attorneys, insurers, manufacturers, and industry colleagues nationwide.

 One of aj² Fire Forensics’ greatest strengths is its carefully cultivated network of seasoned experts across virtually every specialty within the fire, forensic, and engineering communities. When a case requires expertise beyond the core services of aj², David and the team can quickly connect you with the precise professional needed — whether that’s a metallurgist, electrical engineer, origin-and-cause specialist in a niche discipline, or any other technical resource.

The company’s philosophy is simple: your case is about answers, not hours billed. aj² is committed to efficient, ethical investigations and to delivering clear, defensible conclusions — no matter whether those conclusions come directly from the aj² team or from a trusted partner in their network.

David, Summer, and the entire aj² Fire Forensics team look forward to putting their expertise, work ethic, and national resources to work for you.