Twice Burned : A Fire Scientist’s Adventures in Overturning and Preventing Wrongful Arson Convictions

This book tells the story of renowned fire investigator John J. Lentini’s 50 years as a forensic scientist. In recounting his most significant cases, Lentini highlights the critical challenges faced by forensic science, including ignorance, cognitive biases, and errors that have led to wrongful convictions.

First, the fire burns you or your loved ones or your home—then, you find yourself “burned” again by the justice system. Twice Burned: A Fire Scientist’s Adventures in Overturning and Preventing Wrongful Arson Convictions tells the story of renowned fire investigator John J. Lentini’s 50 years as a forensic scientist. In recounting his most significant cases, Lentini highlights the critical challenges faced by forensic science, including ignorance, cognitive biases, and errors that have led to wrongful convictions. The book is a testament to the power of collaboration between scientists and lawyers in correcting injustices that occur at the intersection between science and the law. As his career progressed, Lentini increasingly discovered—much to his surprise—that much of what he and his colleagues believed and understood about the behavior of fires was simply untrue. These misunderstandings often resulted in miscarriages of justice, highlighting the urgent need for reform. Through his relentless efforts as an expert witness and his groundbreaking research, Lentini has worked to correct these injustices and ensure that future investigations are guided by accurate science. Lentini shares stories of arsonists exposed by their own mistakes, and he documents the evolution of fire investigation as a profession. He also discusses pivotal cases that challenged prevailing myths in fire science, such as the Lime Street Fire and the Oakland Hills Fire. These cases led to a rethinking and debunking of many of the myths relied on by fire investigators. With its blend of real-life drama, legal intrigue, and scientific insight, Twice Burned is a must-read for anyone fascinated by forensic science, the legal system, and the pursuit of justice. Written in an accessible style, this book is perfect for fire science professionals, litigators, and discerning true crime readers.