Forensic Fire Protection & Life Safety Engineer
Vahid Toussi
B.Sc., PE
Expert in Fire Protection Systems, Code Compliance, and Life Safety Performance
Credentials & Certifications
Academic Degrees
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B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
Professional Licenses
Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), California
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Mechanical Engineering
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Fire Protection Engineering
Jurisdictions
Licensed for Expert Testimony Internationally
Forensic Expertise
Vahid provides forensic fire protection and life safety engineering services focused on the evaluation of fire protection systems, building code compliance, and system performance in both new and existing structures. He supports attorneys, insurers, developers, and public agencies in complex disputes by delivering clear, defensible opinions grounded in engineering analysis, code requirements, and field evaluation.
His work focuses on standard-of-care assessment, code compliance evaluation, and the technical review of fire protection systems including smoke control, suppression, detection, and egress. Vahid is experienced in identifying system deficiencies, evaluating performance-based designs, and determining whether fire/life safety systems meet applicable codes and standards.
His areas of expertise include:
Fire protection system design and performance evaluation
Building and fire code compliance (NFPA, IBC, IFC)
Alternate Means & Methods (AM&M) and performance-based design
Smoke control systems and rational analysis review
Egress analysis and occupancy classification
High-rise fire and life safety system integration
Plan review, code interpretation, and compliance assessment
Identification of fire protection system deficiencies and failures
Litigation support &
Testimony
Vahid has extensive experience supporting legal counsel through all phases of dispute resolution, including technical review, expert reporting, and consultation. He is recognized for his ability to interpret complex fire protection and building code requirements and communicate them clearly for legal teams, insurers, and non-technical stakeholders.
His litigation support experience includes:
Fire protection system design deficiencies and failures
Building and fire code compliance disputes
Life safety and egress-related claims
High-rise fire protection system performance issues
Alternate Means & Methods (AM&M) disputes
Plan review and permitting-related conflicts
Mediation, arbitration, and expert consultation
Litigation support &
Testimony
Vahid is frequently retained on matters involving:
Fire Protection System Failures
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Deficiencies in sprinkler, alarm, and suppression systems
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Improper design, installation, or coordination of systems
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System performance issues in emergency conditions
Code Compliance & Regulatory Disputes
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Violations of NFPA, IBC, and IFC requirements
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Disputes involving code interpretation and enforcement
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Conflicts with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
Smoke Control & High-Rise Systems
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Smoke control system design and performance failures
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High-rise fire/life safety integration issues
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Pressurization and ventilation system deficiencies
Egress & Life Safety
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Inadequate means of egress and occupant safety risks
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Occupancy classification and load disputes
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Life safety compliance in complex or mixed-use buildings
Alternate Means & Methods (AM&M)
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Evaluation of performance-based fire engineering solutions
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Disputes regarding equivalency to prescriptive code requirements
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Review of rational analysis reports and approvals
Professional Profile
Vahid has over 30 years of experience in fire protection engineering, including roles in public agencies, consulting engineering, and construction. He served with the Orange County Fire Authority, where he reviewed complex fire/life safety systems and evaluated compliance with applicable codes and standards across a wide range of building types.
His background includes work on high-profile commercial, hospitality, entertainment, and high-rise projects, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of fire protection system design, code enforcement, and real-world system performance.
He has extensive experience coordinating with design professionals, contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction, and has contributed to code development through participation in organizations such as the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the International Code Council.