The Cleanup Arsonist
Abandoned property burned on public lands in an unrelated wildland fire.
Have you heard this before? “I am not an arsonist. I was just cleaning up vegetation, debris, garbage etc.” If you have worked enough arson cases, gone to enough trainings or read a few arson books, you’ve probably have heard this line before.
An arson suspect in Red Bluff, CA told just that to investigators when admitting to starting over 100 fires. The suspect “did not consider himself an arsonist because he felt his efforts were cleaning up vegetation and debris in open space areas,” said the police department (Source: CornerObserver.com Red Bluff Arson Suspect Arrested).
Ed Nordskog has seen this in his experience and research. “This "cleaning up" story is a facet of OCD and is seen semi-often among serial fire setters, but not all.” It is important when interviewing arson suspects, to take your time and allow them to talk. Spend some time figuring them out. The interview doesn’t stop once you get a confession. Make sure to delve into who they are and why they do the things they do.