Park Lodge International

Excellence in Safety, Training, and Incident Management Since 1991, Park Lodge International (PLI) has been delivering expert training and consultancy across the UK — and now around the world. From the US to Africa, India to Europe, we’ve built a reputation for practical, high-impact solutions in: • HAZMAT Incident Management • Fire Safety, Investigation & Prevention • Operations and Safety Management Through our collaborations with Phoenix Forensic Service Provider Ltd, Bridgehill, Prosol, Techlanz, Fire Panda, NBRA, and AVRO, PLI brings together top-tier expertise and innovation to deliver exceptional training, investigation, and safety solutions worldwide.

Richard Dunbar

Richard Dunbar, founder of Park Lodge International, began his career in the Fire Service as a Cadet, rising through the ranks to become Chief Fire Officer. Over decades of service, he has built an exceptional depth of expertise in firefighting, fire safety, and emergency management, earning the informal title “The Professor” among his peers. Qualified to UK Home Office standards as an Inspecting Officer for fire safety — with advanced certification enabling him to lead complex inspections such as the BAe Systems site at Weybridge — Richard has also shared his expertise as a lecturer at the University of London. He authored the Fire Safety and Emergency Management BSc distance learning programme for the University of Hong Kong and has served as an Inspector for the UK Health and Safety Executive, investigating fatal fires and providing expert evidence in Crown, Magistrates, and Coroners’ Courts. Richard is also a published author and thought leader, having written the recognised handbook on Fire Investigation, the ‘Blue Book’ for police managing chemical incidents, and numerous specialist papers on topics including: • Vehicle fires and brake fluid hazards • Preventing arson through investigation • Fire risks from domestic products and decorations • Microwave and electrical fire safety • Counter-terrorism procedures for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office • Electric Vehicle and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

The International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course was founded by Richard Dunbar in 2000, the Vehicle Fire Investigation Course has earned a global reputation, attracting delegates from across the world. In 2023, it delivered the world’s first Electric Vehicle Fire Investigation Course in Norway, welcoming participants from Europe and India. The following year, the course returned to Norway, where 40 delegates gained hands-on experience investigating six recently burned electric vehicles— including one subjected to police ballistic testing — and three battery boxes. Dates for 2026 courses now published.

- PLI