Ed Nordskog, a former detective with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and an internationally renowned fire investigator, describes a wildland arsonist with a match as the most dangerous criminal in the world, stating that they wield the power of an atomic bomb. I am currently speaking with Nordskog at his family home in Santa Clarita, a safe suburb about 20 miles north of the ongoing wildfires ravaging the region. The devastating blazes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena have already consumed 40,000 acres of land, destroyed 12,000 homes, and claimed at least 25 lives. Experts anticipate these fires to be the costliest in US history, estimating losses at £225bn.
Nordskog explains that the dry vegetation and powerful Santa Ana winds were ideal conditions for the fires to spread rapidly. As investigations unfold, he is closely monitoring the situation and providing expertise behind the scenes. Questions have arisen about the origins of the fires, with concerns of possible foul play. A significant percentage of California’s wildfires are sparked by arson annually, and several individuals have been arrested for arson since the recent outbreak of fires.
The city is tense, with heightened suspicion and vigilance. An incident involving an individual near one of the fires has amplified these tensions, though they have not been charged in connection with the fire. Nordskog, drawing from his extensive experience investigating over 2,000 arson cases, describes arsonists as introverted individuals who often evade detection due to their unassuming nature.
Nordskog recounts the destruction caused by arsonists, citing the Corral Fire in 2007 as an example, where a drunk individual’s reckless behavior led to widespread devastation. Despite reports suggesting possible arson in the current fires, Nordskog believes they were not intentionally set. He suggests that the cause of the fires may be attributed to negligence, such as inadequate fire prevention measures.
In conclusion, Nordskog emphasizes the need for thorough investigation and proactive measures to prevent future incidents, underscoring the destructive potential of wildfires and the importance of vigilance in combating arson.
Parks were falling from high-voltage power lines as they whipped against each other in the wind. People will likely question why the power companies hadn’t buried the lines underground, a feasible solution in specific areas, according to one source. A firefighter navigates a neighborhood devastated by fire in Los Angeles.
Nordskog leads the way to his study, where he now spends most of his days delving into cold cases, some dating back over a century. He gestures towards a chaotic stack of cardboard boxes brimming with old case files and floppy disks spanning fifty years, part of his forthcoming and final book, serving as non-fiction guides for fire investigators. These books document case studies and revisit past incidents, advocating for solving fires akin to homicide investigations, through meticulous crime scene searches and door-to-door inquiries. His latest work is titled “Arson Investigations in the Wildlands.”
Examining a glass cabinet housing several awards, including Investigator of the Year 2004, Nordskog offers “Malibu Burning,” the first of a series by acclaimed author Lee Goldberg inspired by his career. The room is adorned with mementos from his time in the US Marines as captain and serving with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for 34 years.
Nordskog’s reputation was solidified during his tenure leading the arson and bomb squad, tackling significant cases and resolving one of LA’s most infamous arson sprees. The resilient pensioner, originally from Minnesota, fluently recounts numerous cases with remarkable memory and precision.
In 2012, Nordskog spearheaded a team of 400 detectives in capturing the “Hollywood Fire Devil,” responsible for 52 fires within a three-day span. Despite political pressure to attribute the fires to anarchist movements, Nordskog’s team correctly identified a single suspect, leading to his capture and eventual conviction four years later.
Nordskog distinguishes arsonists into two categories: impulsive perpetrators acting on immediate motives or serial arsonists with distinctive patterns. His expertise lies in handling the latter. He challenges the stereotypical FBI profile of an arsonist and emphasizes the need to approach each case individually.
Nordskog’s methodical approach and experience in solving complex arson cases have solidified his reputation as a seasoned investigator in the field.
The text discusses various aspects of arson and arsonists, including the prevalence of men among those arrested, the surprising subset of firefighters who commit arson, and the characteristics of serial arsonists. It also mentions specific cases, such as Paul Keller, who defied the typical stereotype of an arsonist and was eventually caught by his own father. The text emphasizes the need to move past stereotypes and biases in order to effectively investigate and prosecute arson cases.
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