Pario Engineering & Environmental Sciences is proud to celebrate James Page’s 20-year anniversary with our organization, marking two decades of dedication, expertise, and leadership in fire investigation and forensic engineering.
Reflecting on his career, James identifies one of his greatest achievements as having witnessed and actively contributed to Pario’s growth and evolution over the years. Building strong, collaborative teams has been central to his experience. “Being part of a team that supports one another, works well together, and genuinely enjoys what they do has been incredibly rewarding,” he shares. That sense of camaraderie and shared purpose has remained a constant throughout his career.
In his role as Technical Lead, James thrives on the variety each day brings. No two scenes are ever the same, and that constant change is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job for him. While the foundational principles of fire investigation remain largely unchanged, James has seen the industry evolve through refinements in methodology, experience, and technology. For instance, product design has shifted over time, particularly with the rise of lithium battery-related investigations. James notes that many failures stem from improperly manufactured or aftermarket batteries that don’t meet required standards, making each investigation both complex and nuanced.
“A lithium-ion battery that starts a fire and is also a victim of the fire is very challenging, if not impossible, to assess,” James says. “We’re trying CT scanning and using a lot of advanced technologies, but it’s still very hard to determine whether the battery is the chicken or the egg whether it started the fire or was merely a fire effect.”
Looking back, James observes that while today’s investigations are supported by improved documentation methods and more sophisticated tools, the core of good investigative work remains the same. “A properly done investigation today isn’t fundamentally different from when I started,” he explains. “We just have better tools around us, better imaging, better documentation, and more efficient ways of examining evidence.”
What James has enjoyed most during his time at Pario is the continuous learning. Every fire presents a new puzzle to solve, and he takes pride in working alongside a knowledgeable, supportive team within a strong company culture. Encouraging others to grow and develop has also been a meaningful part of his journey.
Outside of work, James stays busy with his two children, aged 11 and 8. In his downtime, he enjoys camping and has recently returned to cycling, including restoring vintage mountain bikes, a hobby that perfectly blends craftsmanship and passion.
Congratulations to James on 20 incredible years with Pario. His expertise, curiosity, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on both the team and the industry.