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MISSION: Sisters in Crime was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition, and professional development of women crime writers. Please view our Code of Conduct.
Sisters in Crime Orange County – The Blood Orange welcomes everyone interested in or passionate about crime writing, including writers—published, aspiring, or pursuing careers—readers, booksellers, publishers, librarians, editors, agents, promoters, reviewers, and fans.
Next Meeting
Sisters in Crime Orange County
The Blood Orange
Presents…
Every fire tells a story — and these investigators know how to read it.
Sisters in Crime Orange County presents ARSON INVESTIGATION, featuring Captain Scott Kuhlman, a 28-year veteran fire investigator, and Chasity Owens, a certified expert in fire, explosion, and vehicle investigations.
Together, they’ll pull back the curtain on real‑world arson investigation: how scenes are analyzed, how evidence speaks, and how truth emerges from ashes.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
2:30–4:30 PM
Orange Public Library
407 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
Free and open to the public!
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Scott Kuhlman is a Certified Fire Investigator with over 28 years of experience and more than 2,700 origin and cause investigations. He currently serves as a Fire Captain/Investigator with the Orange County Fire Authority and brings over 32 years of experience in the fire service. His investigation work spans residential, commercial, industrial, wildland, and vehicle fires. In addition to his public sector work, Captain Kuhlman spent over a decade conducting investigations for the insurance industry, where he analyzed fire scenes, determined cause, and provided expert testimony in court. He has completed more than 2,300 hours of formal fire investigation training and has taught over 2,700 hours of fire science and investigation courses. Captain Kuhlman is a past President of the California Conference of Arson Investigators (2024–2025) and currently serves as Chair of Regional Training and 1st Vice President. He leads the four-week Fire Investigation Academy at Fresno City College and is an adjunct instructor at San Diego Miramar College. In 2024, he also taught internationally for the Cambodia Fire Department on fire origin and cause. He co-hosts INFOCUS Fire Investigation, the leading podcast in the field, as well as Hot Pursuit, a podcast highlighting real cases from the Orange County Fire Authority.
Chasity Owens is a qualified fire investigation expert with a diverse range of certifications and experience in the field. She holds the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credential from the International Association of Arson Investigators, as well as the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) credentials from the National Association of Fire Investigators. Additionally, Ms. Owens is recognized as a qualified expert witness by the International Association of Arson Investigators. She also holds the Secretary position on the Executive Board at California Conference of Arson Investigators. Ms. Owens has six years of experience in the private sector investigating origin and cause. Her expertise spans residential and commercial structures, as well as vehicle fires. Ms. Owens’ academic background complements her practical experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018, providing her with a solid foundation in the scientific principles and investigative techniques essential to her field. Throughout her career, Ms. Owens has consistently demonstrated her ability to apply her knowledge and skills to fire investigation scenarios, making her a valuable asset in both investigative and educational contexts. She has presented on various topics in the private sector about fire investigation for insurance adjusters and attorneys. She has also assisted in teaching several Fire Investigation 1A and 1B classes at live burns for the public sector. Chasity is the cohost of INFOCUS Fire Investigation Podcast with Scott Kuhlman.
- Sisters in Crime Meetings are open to the public. Your first two meetings are free; subsequent meetings are $5 each. Members are free.
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Please visit the Join/Renew Page for information about Sisters in Crime OC and how to join our chapter.
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