Episode 408 - Wildfire Arson Investigation

As part of our Crime Fighter Series, we talk with United States Forest Service Captain and Arson Investigator Russel Tuttle. Tuttle is a 16-year veteran of the United States Forest Service, who has received numerous awards for his work and outstanding performance. Captain Tuttle walks us through the 2014 “Colby Fire” that burned 2,000+ acres in the Angeles National Forest. Tuttle talks about how they were able to determine the cause and origin of the fire, and eventually how they found the people responsible for igniting it. Tuttle also made it possible for Steve to attend the annual Wildfire Arson Investigation School at an undisclosed location in Riverside County – a first for a journalist. The federal program teaches forensic techniques to the next generation of arson investigators. Keep an eye out for that future episode.