Professional Biography
David Burns is a Senior Managing Consultant at YA Group with nearly 40 years of product safety investigation and inspection experience across both the private sector and U.S. government. His responsibilities include conducting complex investigations, assessing product-related hazards, supporting litigation and regulatory matters, and advising clients on compliance with federal safety standards. In addition to his product safety expertise, he brings 24 years of service in the U.S. Armed Forces in both reserve and active-duty capacities, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
David has extensive experience in national security and investigative roles, beginning his government career as a Special Agent with the Defense Investigative Service. For ten years, he conducted background investigations for security clearances involving civilian and military personnel, performing hundreds of interviews to inform eligibility determinations for access to sensitive and classified information. Following this role, he served for 25 years as a Product Safety Investigator with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, specializing in incidents involving fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, fatalities, and injuries associated with more than 15,000 categories of consumer products. His work focused on preventing injuries and saving lives through rigorous investigations, safety evaluations, and the development of national safety and public education campaigns.
In addition to his extensive investigative and public safety background, David brings deep industry knowledge in evidence collection, hazardous materials procedures, and data and trend analysis. He is highly experienced in federal regulations governing consumer products, including the Flammable Fabrics Act, Poison Prevention Packaging Act, Refrigerator Safety Act, Consumer Product Safety Act, Federal Hazardous Substances Act, Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. He is also well versed in NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. Over the course of his career, he has conducted thousands of investigations across a broad range of products—including home appliances, smart-home devices, portable electronics, battery‑powered goods, e‑mobility devices, HVAC systems, and consumer chargers—contributing to recalls, standards updates, and enhanced consumer safety. His experience is supported by ongoing professional development and extensive field training acquired throughout his government and military service.
Professional Experience
- Senior Managing Consultant | YA Group | 2026 - Present
- Senior Product Consultant | Jensen Hughes | 2022 - 2026
- Product Safety Investigator | United States Consumer Product Safety Commission | 1997 - 2021
- Lieutenant Colonel-Intelligence | United States Army Reserve | 1986 - 2010
- Special Agent | Defense Investigative Service | 1987 - 1997
- Division Chief | US Army Reserve | 2008 - 2010
- All Source Tactical Intelligence Officer | US Army | 2003 - 2004
Practices & Skillsets
- Fire Origin & Cause
- Fire and Life Safety Systems
- Lithium Battery Investigations
- Products Liability
- Slip and Fall Evaluations
- Failure Analysis
Publications and Presentations
- Presented and participated in a panel discussion on the Consumer Product Safety Commission product recall process to members of the National Association of Subrogation Professionals held in Phoenix, Arizona (October 2024)
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS), Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 1986
- Associate of Science (AS), Criminal Justice, Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA, 1983
Training Courses
- Residential Electricity for Fire Investigators, Fire Findings, Benton Harbor, Michigan (September 2019)
- Techniques of Investigative Interviewing & Positive Persuasioin, John E. Reid & Associates, Atlanta, Georgia (August 2016)
- Advanced Explosives Training, Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Huntsville, Alabama (April 2015)
- Fire & Life Safety Awareness I & II, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Salem, Oregon (March 2015)
- Introduction to Criminal Investigation Training Program, US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Brunswick (October 2010)
- Introduction to Fire Investigations, National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, Maryland (July 2005)
- Reid Interview Techniques, John E Reid & Associates, Lansdowne, Virginia (May 2005)
- ASTM Compliance Course-Children's Sleepwear and Flammability of Wearing Apparel, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Compliance, Boston, Massachusetts (September 2006)
- Consumer Fireworks & Explosives, Eastern Kentucky University, Louisville, Kentucky (August 2000)
- Arson Seminar, St Anslem College, Manchester, New Hampshire (May 2000)
- Investigation of Gas & Electric Appliance Fires, Fire Findings, Benton Harbor, Michigan (November 1999)
- IAAI Conference, International Association of Arson Investigators, Toronto, Canada (May 1997)
Affiliations
- Member of National Fire Protection Association
- Former Member of International Association of Arson Investigators
- Former Member of National Association of Fire Investigators
- Former Member of National Association of Subrogation Professionals
- Former Member of Clackamas County Oregon District Attorney's Child Fatality Review Team
- Former Member of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Oregon Life Safety Team
- Former Member of The Western Pacific Injury Prevention Network
- Former Member of the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Prevention Working Group