The Northern Ohio Arson Seminar and the Blizzard of 2026

The Northern Ohio Arson Seminar has long been a key event for fire investigators, law enforcement, and safety professionals. I was honored to speak this year all day on Sunday the 22nd before 140 focused attendees.

The topics I shared included teaching 18 points from my book, BURN BOSTON BURN, 12 teaching points from BANG BOOM BURN, a case study of a botched house fire investigation and concluded with Large Loss Fire and Explosion Investigations. Overall, we all had a good day.

In 2026, this important seminar coincided with one of the most severe winter storms in recent history—the Blizzard of 2026. This overlap created a unique challenge for me. The seminar organizers booked me an extra night in a local hotel because of the long day of speaking. However, it provided me with a place wait out the storm's wrath. There was no way I would make it back to Massachusetts on Monday.

I managed to drive over 6 hours today in very good conditions from Ashland, Ohio through some lake effect snow that didn't coat the roads. Roads in the western portions of Pennsylvania were mostly dry, but the trees in some sections were completely covered with an overnight blowing snow that stuck to every branch. I'm writing this post from my hotel room in Wilkes-Barre. Only 5 more hours on Tuesday to reach home where there is nearly two feet of wind-blown snow. I can't wait! The photo below was taken today by one of my good friends. I hope they don't mind that I stole it!

Thanks to the Northern Ohio board for hosting me. Best of luck on all of your future fire endeavors.

I also picked up my newly revised version of BURN BOSTON BURN with its tighter writing and a new cover. As soon as I get home, I will be sending out signed copies to those readers who pre-ordered a copy of this new book. If you would like your owned copy of this amazing true crime book, please just hit the button on this burnbostonburn.com website. I will immediately mail it to you, shipping included in the price.

The Northern Ohio Arson Seminar’s Role in Fire Safety Education

The Northern Ohio Arson Seminar is an annual gathering that brings together experts in fire investigation, prevention, and law enforcement. Attendees share the latest techniques for identifying arson, discuss case studies, and review advances in forensic technology. The seminar also provides training on how to handle fire scenes safely and effectively.

To all of you, go forth safely and give each and every fire scene your best investigation. It was great meeting so many of you and many thanks to those who purchased my books. I wish you all well. Stay safe out there.