Program Synopsis Experts estimate that one out of every three fires in the United States is set deliberately. Firefighters must report the cause and origin of each fire they fight. If the cause of a fire cannot be determined immediately, a fire investigator may be assigned to the case.
Investigators sift through the remains of the fire for clues about the cause of the fire.
If there is evidence of arson, the investigators also try to collect information that might help police identify and locate the arsonist. In this episode of NOVA, a series of similar arson fires in California raises concern that a serial arsonist might be at work. The program follows the investigative team that solved this extremely difficult case. One fingerprint led to the identification of the arsonist in this program. Fingerprint analysts look for distinguishing features as a means of classifying the prints they investigate.