John Orr's Career as an Arson Investigator

John Orr was promoted to full-time arson investigator in 1984. He discovered an incendiary delay device made from cigarettes and a matchbook at one of the Glendale Hillside fires. Arsonists are notoriously difficult to catch, as they typically act alone and are quick to flee the scene of their crimes. As his credibility grew, he used his experience to educate others. His opinion became so widely respected that he had several articles published in esteemed industry publications. In order to succeed in an arson investigation role, one needs to profoundly understand the traits of an arsonist or pyromaniacs.