SWAIT Newsletter
Welcome to the SWAIT newsletter. We periodically posts to this page. Our covered topics include links to news articles related to wildland arson, article analysis, arson and fire investigation training, SWAIT training updates and original content. Every few months, we will combine the posts into an email newsletter. If you would like to receive the newsletter please subscribe.
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Ex-Forest Fire Watcher Sets Fires
A former Korean Forest Fire Watcher sets multiple fires and vandalized former coworkers property after the Korean Forest Service didn’t rehire him. The suspect had worked as a Forest Fire Watcher for the previous 10 years. The Seoul Economic Daily article, by Cho Su-yeon, describes the suspect using a lighter to ignite tissue paper to start the fires. “Investigators found that [the suspect] committed the crimes out of resentment after being rejected in this year's hiring round for forest fire watchers”.
Bongdaesan Fire Squirrel
Recently, SWAIT contributor Ed Nordskog worked with a South Korean news team producing a documentary on Serial Arson, and in particular, Serial Wildland Arsonists. Nordskog provided expert analysis and profiling information in a general sense and then analyzed a unique case known in South Korea as the “Bongdaesan Fire Squirrel”. This case was a fascinating look at a lifetime wildland serial arsonist. This following case history/analysis was compiled from news stories (article link) and detailed information provided to Nordskog by the lead investigator on the case.
Registration for SWAIT Reno 2027 is Open!
The time has come to start registering for SWAIT Reno 2027. The training will be February 2-4 at the Regional Public Safety Training Center in Reno, NV. Check out our line up for the year.
SWAIT Reno 2027 On Demand Virtual Option
Want to come to the SWAIT Reno 2027 but cannot make it? For 2027 we have an on demand (virtual) option. Check out our website for additional details.
Serial Arsonist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Setting Multiple Wildfires
A Washington man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for setting multiple fires in Eastern Washington state.
FI310 Wildland Fire Investigation Training
The US Forest Service(USFS), BLM and National Fire Academy (NFA) will be sponsoring an FI310 course March 2-6, 2026 in Reno, NV.
Price Goes Up Mid January
Registration for SWAIT Reno 2026, Feb 10-12, is open. Make sure to plan ahead, as registration pricing goes up mid January. The last day to book a hotel room at gov rate at the Element Reno is January 12. Check out our travel page for booking link. If you can’t make it in person, consider attending virtually. Our on-demand/virtual option is back by popular demand.
Hairspray Arsonist
In early August 2025, a 44 year old female was arrested by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for suspected arson after allegedly setting multiple brush fires along the Centennial Trail in Spokane Valley. During her arrest, investigators found a box of matches, pillow filling material, twigs and sticks, and a bottle of hairspray in her purse. A woman fitting her description was seen leaving the area of at least two fires. During the fire investigation, investigators found a burned match and unburned pillow filling at one fire.
The Wannabe
Denver 7 News recently reported on the arrest of Jason Alexander Hobby, a Colorado resident suspected of starting the Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County. The article does a deep dive into Hobby and his obsession with firefighting and law enforcement. Hobby is a classic wannabe.
Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University has signed on as a vendor for SWAIT Reno 2026. They will have a booth with a representative at the training center during SWAIT Reno. Columbia Southern is an online university that offers degree programs ranging from associate through graduate levels. They offer degrees in Emergency Services Management, Fire Science and Administration, and Forensic Investigations.
SWAIT Reno 2026 Hotel
We have partnered with The Element Reno again for the upcoming training. They have reserved a limited number of rooms at the FedGov rate. Please use the link on our travel page to register with The Element. The FedGov rate will be available until the block of rooms is sold out or until January 12, 2026.
The Palisades Fire: Follow Evidence, Not Politics
SWAIT Staff examine the latest updates from the Palisades Fire Investigation.
Registration for SWAIT Reno 2026 is Open!
The time has come to start registering for SWAIT Reno 2026. The training will be February 10-12 at the Regional Public Safety Training Center in Reno, NV. Check out our line up for the year.
SWAIT Reno 2026 On Demand Virtual Option
Want to come to the SWAIT Reno 2026 but cannot make it? For 2026 we have an on demand (virtual) option. Check out our website for additional details.
Arson Device Linkage
Justin Halstenberg (35), was convicted of starting the 2024 Line Fire in Southern California. The fire was found to have been started by an incendiary device. Investigators initially found Halstenberg’s vehicle license plate in pictures from an automatic license-plate reader in the area of the Line Fire. Subsequently, during the investigation, Halstneberg was linked to the fire by device construction.
Volunteer Firefighter Arsonist
In 2023, Adam Ewing (18), a volunteer firefighter from Saltillo, PA, was charged with starting 21 fires. Ewing plead guilty to all of the charges. Toilet paper was used to start several of the fires.
Serial Arsonist Justin Caruso
SWAIT contributor Ed Nordskog presents the Justin Caruso case for the Profiler:True Crime Africa YouTube channel. Caruso was a prolific arsonist who started fires in multiple states with one of his fires causing a fatality. For those of you that attended SWAIT Reno 2024, you may remember this case was presented by two of the case prosecutors from Arizona.
Dispatcher Arsonist
An Ohio dispatcher and former police officer plead guilty to starting 26 fires in the Wayne National Forest. Let's take a quick look at his motives for starting the fires.
Cigarette and Wildfires: A Literature Review
Do you remember what you’ve been taught about cigarettes and wildfires? You probably remember we were taught that a cigarette ignition required a fuel moisture of 14% or less, 80+degrees F temperature and humidity less than 22%. A February 2023 literature review by the Canadian Alberta Government found these hard and fast weather rules for cigarette ignitions to be invalid and outdated.
Can Fire Safe Cigarettes Start Wildfires?
If you investigate wildfires, make sure to keep up to date on new and emerging studies related to the field. This linked study looks at whether “fire safe” cigarettes can start wildfires. Spoiler alert - they can!