Wildfire Arson Prevention Guide

"I have known and worked closely with Richard Woods for over 20 years. In my opinion, he is one of the top wildland fire investigators in the world. He has played an integral role in both the development and the international delivery of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's wildfire investigation training and certification packages and accompanying guidebook. This book that Richard has authored, is an excellent introduction and overview of these advanced wildfire investigation practices and an important addition to the fire investigator's bookshelf." - Paul Steensland, United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, Senior Special Agent, (ret.), USA

"As the global community grapples with the immense challenges brought about by a changing climate that continues to increase the intensities and frequencies of wildfires, not only in traditional fire prone areas across the world, but in new areas where fire has not previously been experienced, the authoring of this Wildfire Arson Prevention Guide is both timely and essential. This is the first time that such an array of knowledge, skills, and experience have been brought together under one cover to reveal how individuals, agencies, and governments who are responsible for the protection of citizens and communities from wildfire can improve their competency and confidence in understanding their causes. It is only by getting to the root cause of ignitions and putting in place strategies and programs to minimise their occurrence can we be confident that climate extremes conducive to catastrophic fire weather conditions do not result in catastrophic wildfires. I highly commend this Guidebook to anyone who has a professional or personal interest in building safer communities in the face of such an overwhelming force of nature. Richard's experience and wisdom gained over more than 40 years is infused throughout and his methodological approach greatly assists in making a complex science easy to understand and even easier to implement." - Mark Crosweller AFSM, Founder and Director Ethical Intelligence, Australia

"Richard Woods has written an easily accessible book, designed to assist law enforcement and fire agency personnel responsible for addressing the cause of wildfires. This guide is about proven practice and practical approaches. It is designed specifically for wildfire investigators tackling the problem of serial wildfire ignitions. The tone is instructive and Richard certainly has the credibility in this specialist field. After many years of investigating wildfires and training officers, he is recognised as Australia's preeminent authority on wildfire investigation and thus represents Charles Sturt University as an adjunct lecturer, providing opinion on the cause of wildfires. You will find this guide a valuable tool and I highly recommend it to investigators in the field of wildfire investigation." - Valerie Ingham, Charles Sturt University, Australia.