We welcome back Investigators Strohm and McCulloch as they seek public assistance to solve a two-year-old arson case at an auto business in Santa Ana. Initial investigation revealed suspicious circumstances like an unlocked door and a car filled with tools, leading to the discovery of an acetone can and an alert from a K-9 unit in the heavily damaged office, the suspected origin of the fire. Subsequent investigation, including video evidence showing the suspect pouring liquid and brandishing a firearm, confirmed the arson. This time, OCFA Fire Investigators need your help solving this crime. Think you recognize the suspect? Submit a time to the OCFA Investigations Line (949) 560-0665 or to keep your tip anonymous, call OC Crime Stoppers (855) TIP-OCCS.
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27:16
BONUS EPISODE – The Inside Job (Part 2)
This week, we’re bringing you something special – a bonus episode that revisits one of our most gripping cases: ‘The Inside Job.’ But this time, we’re hearing it straight from the fire investigator who helped crack it wide open.Retired Fire Investigator Bill Lackey takes us inside the investigation of a serial arsonist and burglar who targeted not just homes and businesses—but fire stations and firefighters themselves. With multiple fires, stolen equipment, and a trail of destruction stretching across Southern California, including several fire station burglaries, this case required sharp instincts, cutting-edge forensics, and relentless teamwork across agencies to bring the suspect to justice.
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1:05:28
Two for the Price of One
This podcast episode of "Hot Pursuit" details two distinct arson investigations conducted by the Orange County Fire Authority. The first story recounts a residential fire in Garden Grove and the second investigation involves a series of vegetation fires along a freeway and toll road in Irvine. Could these fires be linked? Keep listening to see how the story unfolds.
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36:39
The Inside Job
This episode of the "Hot Pursuit" explores a complex arson and burglary case involving multiple agencies and jurisdictions. We bring back a crowd favorite, Irvine PD Officer Justin Russell, as he discusses a series of intentionally set fires in Orange County and beyond. Are these fires linked to burglaries at fire stations? The case highlights the challenges of multi-jurisdictional investigations and the importance of inter-agency cooperation. Keep listening to see if it ends in an arrest of a multijurisdictional arsonist…
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46:20
Sunlight, Sanitizer, and Shenanigans
This episode of Hot Pursuit features Investigator Gillespie, who has been with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) since 2005 and in the Investigation Unit since 2019. Investigator Gillespie discusses two unique cases. The first case involves a fire at an auto shop in Garden Grove. The fire was initially reported as a commercial structure fire, but it was actually located in the parking lot and consisted of piles of cardboard. The second case involves 11 different fires that occurred over about an hour and a half. A molotov cocktail was found at one of the fires, and an unsuccessful wicking device. This was clearly arson, but now Investigators narrow in on a suspect. Do Investigators catch him….or her….in time?
À propos de Hot Pursuit | A Fire Investigations True Crime Podcast
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County's most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we'll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider's look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.Executive Producer: Kevin HansenHosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
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