Twice Burned: John Lentini, The Fire Scientist Myth Buster

Send us a textFire has secrets that only science can unlock. In this riveting conversation with legendary fire investigator John Lentini, we explore the transformation of fire investigation from subjective interpretation to rigorous science over the past five decades.Lentini's journey began in 1974 at the Georgia State Crime Laboratory, where a young chemist found his calling in a field few wanted to tackle. His candid reflections reveal how he became drawn to the scientific clarity of fire investigation—something he could confidently explain to juries—and how this decision led him to become one of the field's most influential voices.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Lentini describes the groundbreaking 1991 Lime Street fire experiment that fundamentally changed fire investigation. Expecting flashover in 15-20 minutes, investigators were shocked when it occurred in just four minutes. This revelation exposed critical misconceptions about fire patterns that had led to countless wrongful convictions. "It blew my mind," Lentini recalls, describing patterns on the floor that mimicked what investigators wrongly believed indicated arson.Particularly compelling is Lentini's work helping exonerate 35 people wrongfully convicted of arson. His methodical approach to testing hypotheses and documenting findings stands in stark contrast to older, more subjective methods. When discussing persistent myths, he doesn't hold back: "There are still people that think they can look at a fire pattern and tell what caused it," he notes, explaining why this approach fails after flashover.For anyone interested in forensic science, Lentini's insights on ventilation effects, documentation practices, and the evolution of standards provide invaluable education. His upcoming book "Twice Burned" promises to share more case studies from his remarkable career—stories that not only changed lives but transformed an entire field.Listen now to understand why proper fire investigation matters, how science continues to reshape our understanding of fire, and what lessons Lentini's fifty years of experience offer to investigators today. The truth, as it turns out, is in the flames—if you know how to read them correctly.Support the show