Origin and Cause Makes Moves Out West

Origin and Cause is pleased to announce the addition of Keith Ellwood, Fire and Explosion Investigator, to our team in Calgary. Keith has spent over 8 years with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and a further 8 years as a firefighter. He has been involved in more than 100 fire, explosion or technical investigations, and as a Fire and Life Safety Inspector, he has conducted 556 inspections at various building and occupancy types as well as led 14 inspections at illegal grow-ops.  

“Keith’s experience and technical expertise make him a great addition to our team and an invaluable asset to our clients,” said Western Canada Manager, Ken Swan. “We are very excited to have him join us here in Calgary”  

Keith’s arrival coincides with the relocation of Russ Friesen to British Columbia where he is working out of Origin and Cause’s Vancouver office.  

“Our experts on both the island and mainland have been, and continue to be, extremely active. And if the past several summers are any indication, the coming months could be even busier. We want to be prepared and ensure that we continue to provide the standards of quality, efficiency and expediency that we have set for ourselves and that our clients have come to expect,” said Tony Thibaudeau, Western Canada Sales Director. “Russ brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the lower mainland, giving us the ability to respond quickly to our clients in the area and provide improved service. Many of our BC clients are already very familiar with Russ as he has been conducting investigations in the province for some time. Now he has taken the critical step of becoming a resident of Vancouver.”  

Russ is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, as well as a former Fire Captain, Fire Inspector, and member of the Winnipeg Arson Strike Force. He has over 20 years of experience and has performed over 500 fire and explosion investigations, including large structural losses, vehicle fires, and wildland fires. Russ also investigates and reports on technical failures, specializing in fire sprinkler systems.  

Russ joins Angela Petersen, who has been active with assignments since moving to Vancouver Island a short time ago. The experience has been a positive one for both clients and Angela, and she looks forward to being able to get out and meet everyone once conditions allow and offices reopen for business.  

For assistance with fire and explosion investigations in Calgary, please contact:  

Keith Ellwood, Fire and Explosion Investigator 
(403) 461-2767 
kellwood@origin-and-cause.com  

For assistance with fire and explosion investigations in British Columbia, please contact: 

Russ Friesen, Fire and Explosion Investigator
(604) 787-4643
rfriesen@origin-and-cause.com 

Angela Petersen, Fire & Explosion Investigator 
(250) 686-8678 
apetersen@origin-and-cause.com