Cleaning Pros PlusExpert Witness

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Fire — Expert Witness & Litigation Support

CECS-credentialed forensic analysis of exhaust-system fire cause, standard of care, and NFPA 96 compliance. Retained for case review, expert reports, deposition, and trial testimony.

Currently retained in active litigation · Available nationwide
Areas of Expertise

Exhaust-System Fire Analysis & NFPA 96 Standard of Care

Opinions and analysis within the scope of commercial kitchen exhaust systems — the components, codes, and maintenance practices that govern fire risk.

Exhaust-System Fire Cause & Origin

Analysis of how grease accumulation, component failure, and maintenance deficiencies contribute to exhaust-system fires — within the scope of the exhaust system itself.

NFPA 96 Standard of Care

Assessment of whether cleaning frequency, inspection practices, and system maintenance met the requirements of NFPA 96 at the time of the incident.

IKECA Cleaning & Inspection Standards

Evaluation against IKECA industry standards for bare-metal cleaning, certified inspection, and documentation practices.

Grease-Management Failure Analysis

Review of grease containment, filter maintenance, rooftop systems, and accumulation patterns that indicate inadequate grease management.

Maintenance-Records Review

Analysis of cleaning logs, inspection reports, service records, and scheduling cadence against code requirements and industry practice.

Code-Compliance Assessment

Evaluation of exhaust-system compliance with applicable fire codes, local AHJ requirements, and NFPA 96 provisions at the time of the incident.

Scope of Services

Litigation Support & Expert Services

Retained support from initial case review through trial testimony.

Case review & consulting
Document & records analysis
Written expert reports & declarations
Rebuttal analysis
Site / fire-scene inspection
Deposition & trial testimony
Credentials

Arthur L. Haggerty, CECS

IKECA Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist. Founder and CEO of Cleaning Pros Plus, a veteran-owned commercial kitchen exhaust services company. Currently retained as an expert in active commercial kitchen exhaust fire litigation.

CECS
IKECA Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist
IKECA
International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association
350+
Services performed per year
CEO
Founder & CEO, Cleaning Pros Plus
Fee Schedule

Expert Witness Fee Schedule

ServiceRateNotes
Case review & consulting$350/hr
Written reports & declarations$350/hr
Site inspection$450/hr
Deposition testimony$500/hr4-hour minimum, billed in advance
Trial / arbitration / hearing$500/hrFull-day (8-hour) minimum, billed in advance
Travel time$175/hrPortal-to-portal; expenses at cost (IRS mileage rate)

Terms

  • Initial retainer: $3,500, replenishable; unused balance refundable
  • Fees are not contingent on opinion rendered or case outcome
  • Billed in quarter-hour increments; monthly invoices, net-30
  • Testimony minimums apply as noted above
  • Cancellations with fewer than 2 business days’ notice are billed at the applicable minimum
  • Engagement begins upon signed engagement letter, conflict check, and receipt of retainer

Effective June 2026

Request a Consultation

If you are evaluating expert support for a commercial kitchen exhaust fire matter, contact Arthur Haggerty directly.

Merced, California · Available nationwide