NCJ Number
140839
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 42-47
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Arson motives are in two categories: rational and irrational. Each is further subdivided into specific types of motives.
Abstract
Rational motives for arson involve a definable objective clearly and logically linked to the fire. The objective can be either economic or personal gain. There may be direct or indirect economic gain from the fire, hatred for the person whose property is damaged by the fire, attention for a cause (terrorism), vanity (setting a fire so the arsonist can discover it and be a hero), and concealment. Irrational motives for arson are those where the fire setter's logic is faulty, actions are misdirected, or the clear and logical link between the fire and the goal is so vague as to seem nonexistent. Irrational motives include an unconscious urge to set fires for psychological release from stress (pyromania), psychopathic behavior (fire setting for ritual purification), sociopathic behavior (rebellion against rules and symbols of authority), and fascination with fire. Juveniles set fires for many of the same reasons as adults. The tendency to set fires may manifest itself during ages 1 to 3 years. The arsonist-for- hire is rarely encountered by arson investigators. Such persons are usually hired by an insured who is motivated by economic gain. The unintentional fire setter never intends to start a fire, but does so through an honest mistake or lapse of otherwise sound judgment.