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What drives someone to set fires, and how can patterns of arson be detected? Join us in this gripping episode of CSI on Fire as we sit down with Ed Nordskog, a retired arson investigator who served 34 remarkable years with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. From his early days as a bomb technician trained by the British Army Bomb Squad to becoming an expert in arson investigation, Ed has handled over 2,100 fire investigations, including more than 60 serial arson cases. His insights into the meticulous process of uncovering patterns in fire-related crimes will leave you with a newfound respect for the painstaking work behind the scenes.

Ed takes us on an enlightening journey through the advanced training and certification essential for fire investigators. Imagine being a rookie, paired with seasoned officers, and gaining hands-on experience at numerous fire scenes. Ed recounts his unique training experiences, including time spent at the National Fire Academy and participating in forensic fire death schools where realistic crime scenarios involving cadavers are recreated. This chapter underscores the critical role of rigorous training and multidisciplinary collaboration in elevating the standards of fire death investigations.

In the final segments, we explore the broader challenges and nuances in the world of fire investigation. Ed shares his thoughts on the limitations of psychological profiling in arson cases and the vital importance of science-based investigative psychology. He also touches on the complexities of civil versus criminal fire investigations and the prevalence of incendiary devices like Molotov cocktails. Finally, Ed delves into the economic impact of wildland arson and the emerging financial opportunities in this field due to climate change. With a wealth of knowledge and captivating anecdotes, this episode promises to be both educational and enthralling.

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What does it take, to transition from a Thames Valley Police Crime Scene Investigator to a Full time Fire investigator with Essex Fire and Rescue Service?

Jessica offers an illuminating comparison between the police force and the fire service, highlighting the differences in workplace culture, rank systems, and public interactions. Learn about the supportive, collaborative environment within the fire service, and the importance of cross-departmental knowledge sharing and continuous professional development. This episode also reveals how fire service training methodologies and welfare provisions at major scenes contribute to a more welcoming atmosphere and better public perception.

Jessica's path is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategic career moves, and the pivotal moments that sparked her interest in fire investigation, including a university lecture and a memorable container burn demonstration.


We further explore the intricate details of fire investigation accreditation and the role of autonomy in handling cases from start to finish.

Jessica discusses the challenges and rewarding aspects of getting ISO accreditation for fire services and the benefits of leveraging university partnerships for professional growth. Ideal for anyone passionate about fire investigation, this episode provides rich insights into the pathways and opportunities within this fascinating field, underscored by Jessica's personal experiences and aspirations for expanding her team.

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What if you discovered that children often sleep through standard smoke alarms? This unsettling fact is just one of the many revelations in our latest episode of CSI on Fire and has implications in your Fire Investigations.

We sit down with Dave Coss, a decorated fire investigator and canine handler, to uncover the critical role of fire investigation dogs in identifying ignitable liquids at fire scenes.
From petrol to ethanol, these dogs are indispensable in forensic investigations, and Dave shares his captivating journey from the army to the banking sector, and finally to the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Through professional anecdotes, Dave illustrates the practical challenges and triumphs of working with these remarkable dogs, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of fire investigation.

Our conversation then touches on the crucial need for parents to wake their children during a fire due to the ineffectiveness of smoke alarms.

We highlight the operational details of specialized fire investigation teams and the collaborative efforts across regions to enhance fire safety measures.

Don’t miss Dave’s inspiring story of receiving a prestigious award from the Queen, underscoring the invaluable contributions of canine teams to fire investigations. Turn in and turn up for a compelling discussion that shines a light on the often-overlooked professionals of fire safety.

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