Mike Wisekal, MSc, AAs, CFI, FIT, MIFireE, MIAAI, APAEWE

Principal Investigtor


United Kingdom
A headshot image of Mike Wisekal

Mike has worked in the fire industry since 1997, serving nearly 18 years in the Fire Service. His fire service career included fulfilling various roles from operational firefighter to Incident Commander. Part of his operational training included structural firefighting, firefighting at sea, road traffic collisions, fire behaviour training, and health & safety training. During his fire service career, he was deployed to numerous incidents involving a diverse range of operational challenges involving risk to life and property.

Mike’s career as a fire investigator began in 2007. He has investigated a variety of marine, industrial, commercial, and residential fire investigations with experience in managing and undertaking complex fire scene investigations involving the loss of life, property and personal injury.

He has investigated marine causalities involving RoRo’s, Bulk Cargo, FPSO vessels, and Container ships. These investigations have involved cargo such as: vehicles; calcium hypochlorite, self-heating of wood pellets, fertilizer, and hot works. Mike has also had the opportunity to experience life at sea by taking voyage on an ultra large containership.

As a Technical Director Mike works with members of the leadership team to ensure the effective delivery and management of the (Fire) Forensics operations. In this capacity Mike leads and manages a team of investigators within his respective region.

Mike continues to provide an excellent forensic experience for clients, undertaking varied investigations both nationally and internationally.

Education / Certifications

  • MSc, Fire Investigation, University of Central Lancashire
  • Criminal Justice Technology, Prince Georges Community College
  • Military Policing, US Army Military Police School
  • Managing Safely, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Certified Fire Investigator, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
  • Fire Investigation Technician, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
  • Certified Professional Coach, Intl. Coach Academy
  • Past Member, United Kingdom Assoc. of Fire Investigators
  • Member, The Institution of Fire Engineers
  • Member, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
  • Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence
  • Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation
  • Certificate in Maritime Fire Safety
  • Certificate in Maritime Safety Management & the ISM Code
Areas of Expertise
Safety Evaluation + Consulting Fire + Explosion Investigation Vehicle Fires Origin + Cause Marine Fire Investigation

See Insights from Mike

Articles
Cargo container ship sailing full speed in sea to import export goods and distributing products

Fanning the Flames: Panel Discussion on Maritime Safety at Cargo Insurance London 2025

Explore the risks that come with container fires, misdeclared cargo, and fire investigation challenges in our CIL25 panel with experts Mike Wisekal & Mark Ross.

Articles
Top view Ship tanker oil Aerial view Liquefied Petroleum tanker approaching port with tugboats

Charting the Waters of Marine Fire Investigation

Mike Wisekal discusses shipboard fire incidents and the importance of ISM guidelines on CSI on Fire.

Blog + Whitepaper
Large general cargo ship on fire and lots of smoke out at sea on a bright day

SOLAS Regulations in Marine Fire Investigations

Learn more about how Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the ISM Code, and the Ship Safety Management System (SMS) form a comprehensive framework for ensuring maritime safety.

Blog + Whitepaper
Man in Hazmat Suit Picking Through Wildfire Rubble

Conducting Scene Risk Assessments for Structural Fires Investigations

When undertaking a scene risk assessment, investigators bear in mind three key elements: hazards, risks, and control measures.

Blog + Whitepaper
A firefighter investigates the devastation of a house fire.

Know Your Fire Investigator's Certifications & Methodology

Claims success begins with knowing your appointed fire investigator, their certifications, and professional methodology.

Blog + Whitepaper
Professional woman and man having a discussion on the stairs of a stately building.

When Alarm Bells Ring: How Forensic Fire Investigators Uncover Arson Fraud

Recognition of warning signs are key to identifying arson insurance fraud and obtaining evidence for fraudulent claims