Let’s not forget about arson victims

Whether it is a volunteer firefighter being sentenced for starting fires in Sonoma and San Mateo counties or the search for three young suspects wanted for questioning about arson in Santa Monica, every day we hear stories about arson. All across the country, arson is on the rise.   The media often pays too much… Read more »

Burn your depression to the ground?

  Why do people commit arson? There have to be reasons as to why someone would intentionally burn a house, building, vehicle or any other structure. For many, money is a primary motivation, as people hope to file false insurance claims. Other reasons may include vandalism, excitement, crime concealment or murder. There may be psychopathological… Read more »

Arson Tragedy Threatens to Derail Prom

For high school students, prom is usually one of the most exciting times of the year. The idea of dressing up, going out for a fancy dinner and spending the evening dancing and hanging out with friends is appealing to everyone. However, a tragedy in Houston interrupted the festivities for two local students this year…. Read more »

Wildland arsonists are a serious problem

Wildfire has laid siege to California, threatening homes and prompting evacuations. California has had problems with wildfires in the past and while many people point the finger at natural causes, particularly the dry weather, arson could be a possible cause. We refer to such an arsonist as a wildland arsonist. It is easy to associate… Read more »

In such dangerous times, a fire investigator is your best friend

These are dangerous times. National and local threats seem to be on the rise. Due to such a hostile atmosphere, it is even more important to investigate the cause and origin in fires and explosions. It could very well be a lunatic or a threat to national security behind it all. Our thorough investigations provide… Read more »

Burn the Rust Belt to the ground

In terms of arson statistics, one city stands atop all the rest. That city is Flint, Michigan. While Flint is unique, it represents an unsettling and dreary trend in American arson – that is, the burning down of blue-collar America. Cities like Flint and Youngstown, Ohio are former meccas of industry and have many abandoned… Read more »

Infamous Arsonist Albert Zenner Passes

Serial arsonist Albert Zenner has passed away of natural causes at the age of 67. Known to many in the Chicago area, Zenner was so infamous during his crime spree that his exploits inspired a character in a film directed by Ron Howard. In the 1991 film Backdraft, veteran actor Donald Sutherland portrayed an imprisoned… Read more »

John Michael Agosti & Associates: Illinois fire investigations

Who are we? The dictionary defines fire as “a state, process, or instance of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame.”  Fire is our expertise. No, we do not make it, but we solve it. We are John Michael Agosti & Associates and… Read more »