We’ve talked a lot about the progress that has been made in replacing “junk” fire science with “real” fire science. Sadly, however, the “junk” has not been completely purged. This is a process that will require, along with ongoing training, education, and research, that “old line” fire inspectors retire or die and be replaced with properly educated and trained fire inspectors who understand the real science.
Below is a link to a very good article from Discover Magazine (online) which makes that very point. Spark of Truth: Can Science Bring Justice to Arson Trials? Here is the lead from the article: “Fire researchers have shattered dozens of arson myths in recent years. Yet American courts continue to convict people who are likely innocent of the crime.”
And these two quotes from the text: “Despite the surge in fire science, pseudoscience remains entrenched in arson investigation.” and “One can only hope that in ten to twenty years we get trained scientists doing these investigations.”
And to “add more fuel to the fire” (so to speak), here is a link to an ABC 20/20 episode detailing the cases of two mothers who each survived a fire in their home, but their children did not. Both mothers were (wrongfully) convicted, based upon junk fire science, and sent to prison for murdering their children. The episode also briefly covers two other arson cases (both from Texas), one being the Willingham case. This is a fascinating video. Watch it!
http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/166626/260464/fire-scientist-questions-arson-finding
And by the way, if you haven’t been able to watch the documentary film “Incendiary”, which won the 2011 Innocence Network Journalism Award, it’s a “must see”. It chronicles the Cameron Todd Willingham arson case in Corsicana, TX. It’s available for download online.
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