Matthew Cornell, IAAI-CFI, CFI(V), CFEI, (TX & LA License)
Fire Investigator & Code Consultant - Rosenberg/Houston Area
Matthew Cornell brings more than three decades of experience in fire origin and cause investigation and more than four decades of experience in building construction and the fire service to S.C. Fire Consulting. He currently serves as the Fire Marshal for the City of Alvin, where he oversees Fire Marshal’s Office operations, including fire investigations and fire code compliance. Throughout his career, Matt has investigated over 1,200 fires, including fatal fires, large commercial losses, and complex incidents involving multi-agency responses and the ATF Regional Response Team.
Matt’s investigative career includes service as a Senior Investigator with the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office and eight years as a Senior Fire Investigator with EFI Global before joining S.C. Fire Consulting in 2022. During his tenure with Fort Bend County, he reviewed origin and cause reports prepared by other investigators, conducted follow-up investigations, prepared cases for submission to the District Attorney’s Office, and consulted with Assistant District Attorneys during trial. His background also includes extensive experience in fire marshal operations, fire inspection, firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency response.
Matt holds advanced professional credentials as an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) with Motor Vehicle Fire Endorsement [CFI(V)] and NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). His additional credentials include Master Fire Marshal, Master Fire Investigator, Master Inspector, Master Firefighter, Master Peace Officer, and Instructor II. He is also a licensed Private Investigator in both Texas and Louisiana.
In addition to his investigative experience, Matt has an extensive background in building construction and building systems, including plumbing installation and repair, appliance repair, residential construction, and building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections. He is a licensed Journeyman Plumber in both Texas and Louisiana. This hands-on knowledge provides valuable technical insight when evaluating fire scenes, building systems, and potential ignition sources.
Matt has completed extensive specialized training in fire and explosion investigation, NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033, electrical and lighting fires, motor vehicle and hybrid/electric vehicle fires, explosion dynamics, fire protection systems, fatal fire investigation, building construction, fire and building codes, courtroom testimony, and complex fire scene management. He is also an experienced instructor and guest lecturer and has taught fire investigation, fire inspection, building construction, electrical and mechanical systems, and other fire-service topics.
Certifications held:
Texas Commission on Fire Protection:
Master Fire Marshal
Master Fire Investigator
Master Inspector
Master Fire Fighter
Basic Wildland Fire Fighter
Hazmat Technician
Instructor II
National Board on Fire Service (Fire Investigator)
International Association of Arson Investigators (Certified Fire Investigator with vehicle endorsement)
National Association of Fire Investigators (Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator)
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement:
Master Peace Officer
Basic Jailer & Instructor
Southern Building Code Congress International:
Mechanical Inspector
Plumbing Inspector
Residential Electric Inspector
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (Journeyman Plumber)
Texas DPS (Private Investigator)
State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (Journeyman Plumber)
Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners (Private Investigator)
Affiliations:
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Texas Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators
Texas Fire Marshal’s Association
State Fireman’s and Fire Marshal’s Association, Sargent at Arms (SFFMA)
Texas Sheriff’s Association (Life Member)
Greater Houston Fire Marshal’s Council
Texas Education Agency “Advisory Committee for School Safety Rule Adoption”