PROFILING ARSONISTS AND THEIR MOTIVES:AN UPADATE
BY ELLEN EMERSON WHITE
Over the years, several general categories of arsonists have been defined. These include the pyromaniac, the revenge firesetter, one who is perpetrating an insurance or other fraud, the hero or vanity firesetter, the vandal or thrill seeker, the juvenile firesetter, one who is trying to conceal another crime, and one who sets fires as a form of terrorism or social protest.1 Although there is some disagreement in the literature about which type of arsonist is the most common, the majority of published studies seem to have concluded that revenge fires show up more frequently than the other varieties and that despite assumptions to the contrary, the true pyromaniac is much less likely to be encountered.2
Barracato, for example, suggests that when determining the cause of incendiary fires, “revenge is the motive in nearly half….while about 40 percent of all…fires are set for profit. The remaining 10 percent are set for `fun,` with 90 percent of them set by youngsters.”3 Different studies, however, have come up with wildly varying percentages and theories when attempting to classify types of arsonists and incendiary fires.
The one thing all arsonists have in common is that they intentionally set fires. Beyond that, although there are some similarities among their methods, their motives tend to be very different. Obviously, it is an oversimplification to force each and every arsonist into a predesignated category, but an overall sense of arsonists` typical predilections and characteristics is helpful as a guide for investigators.
A few factors seem to apply to most firesetters. They are almost always male, are usually young, are often of below-average intelligence, come from broken homes, tend to be Caucasian, have prior criminal histories, and have difficulty in establishing normal social relationships.4 In “the demographic profile developed by the FBI…the typical arsonist is a white male in his teens to early 20s, 35 percent [of arsonists] are under the age of 15, and 76 percent are white.”5
Currently, psychological and biochemical studies are being done to determine if there is a connection between low serotonin levels and a person`s propensity for violence. For example, one study by Dr. Markku Linnoila found that “arsonists…who did not set fires for profit…had very low serotonin” and that “the kind of violence associated with low serotonin is impulsive, hot-blooded, involving a loss of control.”6 Low serotonin levels are associated with a gene defect, and “only males show symptoms of the aggressive disorder because they inherit only one X chromosome along with a Y. Females always have two X chromosomes, one of which contains a good gene that overrides the bad one.”7 While more studies need to be completed in this area, this latter discovery may explain why arsonists–and violent criminals in general–are predominantly male. It also suggests that, in the future, a potentially high percentage of arsonists could be treated with, and rehabilitated by, Prozac and various other serotonin-elevating antidepressants.
THE PYROMANIAC
The pyromaniac, as previously noted, probably is one of the least common–and yet the most well-known–types of arsonists. One child psychologist has stated that pyromaniacs “not only set fires, but are obsessed with fire things–fire trucks, fire stations….When they get angry, they think of burning things.”8
The firesetting actions of the pyromaniac are almost always random, without conscious motivation, and rooted in a deep-seated psychological problem.9 The U.S. Fire Administration has stated that “14 percent of the 160,000 or so fires confirmed as arson…each year are the work of pyromaniacs: solitary creatures driven to set fires repeatedly for motives the people who track them don`t pretend to understand.”10
There is some thought that there is a correlation between firesetting and sexual arousal/fulfillment, but most of the evidence is purely anecdotal. Nevertheless, the seminal study of firesetters conducted by Lewis and Yarnell in 1951, and still respected decades later, found “only a few firesetters who specifically used firesetting for sexual gratification.”11
Freud originally theorized that there was a correlation between enuresis (bed-wetting) and pyromania and that it was “a highly pleasurable, symbolic battle between penis and phallic flames.”12 Today, this notion generally has been rejected by the psychiatric community since most of Freud`s conclusions have been found to fall into the “sometimes-a-cigar-is-just-a-cigar” category. Nevertheless, it has also been noted that “enuresis is common among disturbed children of all types”13; and since firesetters are almost certainly disturbed, perhaps an argument could be made for the validity of the theory.
In any case, the pyromaniac tends to be a socially maladjusted misfit or loner who sets fires for irrational reasons having nothing to do with material gain and to satisfy what is described as an irresistible impulse.14
THE REVENGE/”SPITE” FIRESETTER
The revenge or “spite” firesetter tends to be a less clearly aberrational individual, although unquestionably the firesetter has problems controlling anger and reacts in a passive/aggressive manner by setting fires. The target of these fires is always a person or place with some personal connection to the firesetter. These firesetters include “jilted lovers, feuding neighbors, disgruntled employees, quarreling spouses, persons getting even after being cheated or abused, and persons motivated by racial or religious hostility.”15 Revenge arsonists tend to have below-average IQs, to commit the crime in a highly emotional state while under the influence of alcohol, and to set the fires in a bedroom or closet in an attempt to destroy personal possessions of extreme sentimental value belonging to the target.16 The FBI has found that “the motives for firesetting are multiple, though revenge seems to run like a thread throughout all malicious incendiarism.”17 One arson specialist has stated, “Revenge is one of the easiest motives to pick out. Normally, you have incidents leading up to the fire that are pretty well known.”18 Destruction tends to be very high in these fires, since the intent is to hurt the victim or target as much as possible. “The stated reasons for setting fire to their victims` property have ranged from real to imaginary and from very trivial reasons, such as a mild problem with an employer, to the more traditional motive of jealousy toward a lover or competitor in love.”19 The revenge fire is almost always an impulsive, emotion-driven crime, and a great deal of evidence is left behind.
THE ARSON-FOR-PROFIT ARSONIST
On the other hand, the arson-for-profit arsonist, who is attempting to perpetrate some sort of fraud, is the least emotionally or psychologically motivated of all arsonists. These arsons almost always have a very high level of fire damage since the goal is the complete destruction of the property, but these are rarely personal attacks. This is a premeditated crime, so time-delay and other fire-set devices are likely to be found in this type of arson. Since the motive is financial, investigators will have a better chance of catching this type of arsonist by following a paper trail–examples would include being overinsured, signs of financial difficulties, and replacement or removal of inventory–as opposed to exploring the fire damage found at the actual fire scene. These fires are set solely for material gain, and these arsonists may well be professional “torches.” There is no emotional component to these fires, so the scenes will tend to be highly organized and rational.20
THE HERO OR “VANITY” ARSONIST
The hero or “vanity” arsonist category is one of the most disturbing in the sense that a fair number of firefighters have been assigned to this group over the years. These firefighters who set fires “are believed to be…driven to fire-setting by boredom, vanity…or a nagging desire to be accepted as one of the guys.”21 They “are most frequently motivated by ego” and “typically crave the celebrity status” that comes with “extinguishing the blaze, often arriving first at the scene.”22 They are almost always young, gung-ho, inexperienced volunteer or paid call firefighters in areas with limited fire incidents and rarely are members of full-time departments. The “hero” arsonist may also be a security guard, a police officer, or a recently rejected applicant to one of these departments who is attempting to prove himself.23 These arsonists have no desire to hurt anyone; they seek public acclaim. The vanity arsonist has been described as a male who “is 17 to 24, unemployed, a new member (of a volunteer department) of less than two years. He belongs to a small fire company with little action, and he wants to prove that he`s capable of fighting fires. He hits an abandoned building, and he`s usually the first to the scene so he can be on the hose team and hopefully, holding the nozzle.”24
THE THRILL SEEKER OR VANDAL
Yet another type of arsonist is the thrill seeker or vandal. These firesetters tend to be adolescents, and the fires often are set by a group rather than an individual for excitement or to relieve boredom. The ignition method is uncomplicated, devices are crude, and these fires routinely are accompanied by vandalism and theft. The fires these impulsive arsonists set are not premeditated. This category overlaps those of the juvenile arsonist and the pyromaniac, since the firesetters usually are so young. If they truly are excited by the flames, they may be suffering from a psychological problem that reaches well beyond ordinary boredom. These firesetters often crave excitement to the degree that they will remain on the scene to watch the fire department at work.25
THE JUVENILE FIRESETTER
Juvenile firesetters have always been the easiest arsonists to rehabilitate since children often do not realize how serious their actions are and the intent to destroy property or injure others is usually absent. Juvenile firesetters are often socially inept, from broken homes, and learning-disabled or hyperactive. Prevention seems to be the best strategy for eliminating this problem, and many cities and towns have instituted pilot programs for this purpose.26 Barracato observed that “youngsters who set fires seem to be predominantly male and can be divided into three subgroups. Those under age eight usually set fires in their families` homes. Those between the ages of nine and 12 usually set school fires for revenge, while those ages 13 to 17 usually set fire to vacant buildings.”27 Levin suggested that “normal children learn that playing with matches is not acceptable by the age of five or six. A few children continue….or deliberately set fires,” but “there have been dramatic successes in stopping this type of firesetting by dealing directly with the child`s fascination by and interest in fire.”28 Lewis and Yarnell “noted a shift from predominantly home-centered fires to fires set away from home with the increasing age of the firesetter” and that “these youthful firesetters typically reside with disturbed families.”29
ARSON FOR CRIME CONCEALMENT
Arsonists who set fires to conceal another crime probably are the least interested in the phenomenon of fire itself. These firesetters simply want to destroy physical evidence or divert attention from another crime–and fire is a handy weapon for doing so. This type of firestarter, along with the arsonist-for-profit, is the most likely to suffer from criminal psychopathology, as opposed to psychological problems, and is not concerned with the safety of others. The fires set usually are opportunistic and started with materials found at the scene with the hope that as much evidence of their crime as possible will be destroyed.30
THE TERRORIST OR SOCIAL PROTEST ARSONIST
The final major category of arsonists is the terrorist or social protest firesetter. These arsonists almost always work in groups and generally like to take credit for their efforts in a public way. These fires are heavily premeditated; therefore, the methods and materials used often are far more sophisticated than those used in other types of set fires. In fact, only the professional torch is as likely to use comparable devices. These arsonists also tend to strike at symbolic economic or political targets–such as government facilities–although terrorists may also attack civilians to foment terror in the populace. In any case, these arsonists are extremely unpredictable and capable of causing serious property damage and have little regard for the safety of innocent bystanders. Terrorists will preplan and use devices more often than the social protest arsonists, who may just take advantage of an opportunity like the Los Angeles riots to set fires, loot, and exhibit destructive and irrational “mob” behavior as a form of supposed political protest.31
While these profiles of the various types of arsonists probably have some investigative validity, it is important that fire investigators focus on the evidence and their instincts. They should look on these profiles as another helpful tool in their arsenal. n
Footnotes
1. DeHaan, J. Kirk`s Fire Investigation, 3rd ed. (Prentice-Hall, Inc.: Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1991) 325-331; Vreeland, R.G., M.B. Waller. The Psychology of Firesetting: A Review and Appraisal. (Univ. of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, N.C. 1978; commissioned by Ctr. for Fire Research, Wash., D.C.) 3-14; Rider, A.O., “The Firesetter: A Psychological Profile,” FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June 1980,12-13.
2. Rider, A.O. 12; O`Connor, D.G., W.M. Parker, J.V. Phillips, et al. “Burning with Resentment: Identifying the Revenge Arsonist,” American Fire Journal, Mar. 1985,19-20.
3. Barracato, J. Burning: A Guide to Fire Investigation. (Aetna Casualty and Surety Company Hartford, Conn. 1986),9.
4. Rider, A.O. 8-9; Boudreau, J., Q. Kwan, W. Faragher, G. Denault. Arson and Arson Investigation (National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, U.S. Dept. of Justice: Washington, D.C., 1977),24.
5. Swanbrow, D. “Firestarters: The Compulsion of Wildland Arsonists and the Obsession of Those Who Chase Them,” Los Angeles Times, Aug. 16, 1987,2.
6. Kotulak, R. “How Brain`s Chemistry Unleashes Violence,” Chicago Tribune, Dec. 13, 1993,1+.
7. Ibid.
8. Curry, C. “Teen A Pyromaniac: Psychologist Testified, Says Adult Prison System Could Worsen Condition,” Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 28, 1994,D2+.
9. Marcus, A.M. Pyromania–The Evaluation of a Symptom Pattern. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. 1969,2.
10. Swanbrow,12.
11. Levin, B. “Psychological Characteristics of Firesetters,” Fire Journal, Mar. 1976,39.
12. Ibid.
13. Levin 40.
14. Rider 14-15; Vreeland and Waller 6-8.
15. Boudreau, et al. 19.
16. DeHaan 327-328; O`Connor, et al. 18-28; Matza, M. “Many Try to Get Even Through `Spite` Fires,” Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 28, 1993,A1+.
17. Lubrano, A. “Fireball in the Subway: Bomber Profile,” New York Newsday, Dec. 23, 1994,A20.
18. Matza.
19. Vreeland and Waller 6.
20. DeHaan 325-327; Vreeland and Waller 3-5; Boudreau, et al. 20-21.
21. Murphy, D.E. “When the Firebug`s A Firefighter,” Los Angeles Times, Dec. 17, 1993,1+.
22. Ibid.
23. Murphy; Dvorchak, R. “Firefighters As Arsonists: Why Some Cross the Line,” Seattle Times, Feb. 26, 1995, A4+; Guo, D. “Turncoat Firebugs Driven by `Hero` Mania,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 1, 1993,A6+.
24. Guo.
25. DeHaan 328-329; Rider 12; Vreeland and Waller 9; Levin 37.
26. Jayaprakash, J., J. Jung, D. Panitch. “Multifactorial Assessment of Hospitalized Children Who Set Fires,” Child Welfare, 1984 LXIII:74-78; Rider 13; “Psychologists Try to Understand Why Children Start Fires,” Seattle Times, Aug. 19, 1992, 2G+; Hua, T. “Extinguishing An Interest in Starting Fires: A Program Educates Young Offenders About the Dangers and Costs of Their Actions,” Boston Globe, July 6, 1980,1+.
27. “Determining Motives May Help Curb Arson,” Boston Globe, July 6, 1980,1+.
28. Levin 38.
29. Vreeland and Waller 11.
30. DeHaan 331; Rider 8-9; Boudreau 19.
31. DeHaan 329-330; Levin 37.
Additional References
Arson Task Force Arson Recognition Handbook, Arson Action Committee, County of Suffolk, N.Y., 1980.
Bolger, D. 1984. “Does someone want to burn your building down?” Jamaica Plain Arson Prevention Action Council, Boston, Mass.
Breslin, J., The fire bug bites them, New York Newsday, July 2, 1992,2.
Connelly, M. “Undercover at night, on the trail of an arsonist,” Los Angeles Times, Mar.25, 1990,3.
Dozier, M. “Snuffing out firebugs: Troy program douses kids` burning desires,” Detroit Free Press, Nov. 3, 1992,1B.
Dvorchak, R. “Firefighters who turn firestarters: Rare but incendiary arson,” Los Angeles Times, Feb. 26, 1995),1.
Eisner, G. 1992. “Juvenile firesetter program: Recidivism, program content, and firesetters` geographic mobility,” Portland (OR) Bureau of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services.
French, H. (1979). The anatomy of arson. Arco Publishing: New York, N.Y.
Furillo, A, “Arsonists: … hard to capture firebugs suspected of setting 6 blazes in southern California,” San Francisco Examiner, Oct. 30, 1993),A9.
Gifis, S.H. Law dictionary, 3rd ed. Barron`s Educational Series, Inc.: Hauppauge, N.Y., 1991.
Glamser, D., “Arson spree has Seattle on edge,” USA Today, Oct. 15,1992,8A.
Gross, T., “The art of arson detection: Investigators` instinct helps make the call,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 30, 1994,1A.
Guillen, T., “Sifting through arson`s ashes: Evidence and motive key to solving crime,” Seattle Times, Sept. 22, 1992,B1.
Hua, T., “Extinguishing an interest in starting fires: A program educates young offenders about the dangers and costs of their actions,” Los Angeles Times, Aug. 18, 1995,1.
Huntington, H., “Arson investigator can `read` the ashes,” Seattle Times, July 26, 1992,B2.
Icove, D., P. Horbert. “Serial Arsonists,” Police Chief, Dec. 1990, 46-48.
International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc. Adolescent Firesetter Handbook. (U.S. Fire Administration: Washington, D.C. 1988)
International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc. Child Firesetter Handbook: Ages 7-13. (U.S. Fire Administration: Washington, D.C. 1988)
International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc. Child Firesetter Handbook: Age: Under 7. (U.S. Fire Administration: Washington, D.C. 1988).
Ludlow, L., “A firebug turned loose,” San Francisco Examiner, Mar. 21, 1993, A14.
Murphy, J., “A firebug on the loose,” Boston Globe, Feb. 23, 1982,1.
Mydans, S., “California wildfires in the path of the inferno,” Atlanta Constitution, Oct. 31, 1993,A10.
Orr, J. “Profiles in arson: The revenge firesetter,” American Fire Journal, May 1989,30-38.
Puzzanghera, J., “Copycat arsonists are feared,” New York Newsday, May 19, 1993,7.
Shannon, P., “Arson & day vs. night,” Miami Herald, Dec. 13, 1983,1C.
“A hot spot of racial trouble goes up in flames,” Chicago Tribune, Aug. 16, 1994,3.
“Arson investigator charged in fires,” Pittsburgh Press, Dec. 19, 1991, A12.
“Buffs and firefighters on the job,” Boston Globe, Dec. 3, 1984, 22.
“California arson investigator charged in store fire,” Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 19, 1991,A12.
“Firebugs: The littlest offenders,” Chicago Tribune, May 8, 1994, 3.
“Some arsonists burn forests to create jobs: Charred trees a bounty for loggers,” Chicago Tribune, July 19, 1993,7.
ELLEN EMERSON WHITE is studying fire science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. She has published in a number of fields.
INDICATORS OF ARSONIST AND ARSON CATEGORIES
PYROMANIA
a series of small trash or grass fires in rural areas,
followed by a series of fires in empty buildings,
then occupied buildings; a progression of targets
apt to be “serial” as opposed to “spree” fires
generally male
loners
low-IQ/mentally defective or genius-level IQ
(the former is much more common)
given to fantasies
sexually aroused by fire
seeking affirmation of power, virility
fires generally set after dark
less likely to use accelerant
very little preplanning; generally opportunistic
fires started in areas likely to escape early detection
lack of a rational motive
evidence of erotomania
history of delusions and/or psychosis and other
emotional disturbances
history of bed-wetting
predominantly Caucasian
lack of social success, particularly in romantic/
sexual relationships
solitary firesetter (no groups likely)
unmarried
mother-dominated and/or absent father
cowardly
extremely high level of recidivism
drawn to fire apparatus and firefighters; excited
by fire
ritualized methods, fuels, accelerant, and materials
used
time/day pattern more likely to be established
THRILL SEEKING/VANDALISM
fire accompanied by vandalism and/or
petty theft
if used, devices will tend to be very simple
(matches, lighters, paper trailers)
may or may not use accelerant
careful preplanning
no set pattern of firesetting or regular
time schedule
random, episodic firesetting
arsonist more likely than usual to be on the
scene during fire suppression activities
behavior bordering on pyromania
ritualized aspect to firesetting, including
possible collection of “trophies”
ARSON-FOR-PROFIT
replacement/removal of stock/records/valuable personal items or pets
overinsurance
multiple insurance policies
multiple fires in property owned by same group or individual
property with repeated owner “turnover,” to falsely raise value
fierce competition among rival local businesses
disabling of fire detection/suppression systems
financial problems suffered by owner or proprietor
recent changes in amount of insurance coverage
history of code violations
ncreasing tax rates putting financial pressure on owner
unsalable property, “For Sale” signs found on property
recent code changes, requiring prohibitively expensive renovations
shoddy materials/workmanship found if renovations were already taking place
signs of welfare fraud (see removal/replacement)
lawsuits/audits pending against owner
personal problems (marital, job changes, serious illnesses or injuries)
sophisticated firesets
evidence of preplanning
may be an opportunistic fire set during a riot or other period of civil unrest when many other fires are being set
may be an opportunistic fire set during extreme weather conditions or when fire department is already
occupied elsewhere
much more likely than any other type of incendiary fire to have been set by a professional arsonist
attempt to establish “normal” electrical, equipment failure, or heating element fire cause
fire set in geographical area slated for demolition or urban renewal
evidence of organized crime involvement
history of tenant harassment/desire to evict current tenants
“victim” likely to benefit by residential relocation (welfare housing, most commonly)
evidence of intimidation, extortion, sabotage
firesetting as a calculated behavior, as opposed to pathological
obvious premeditation
the most difficult type of arsonist to apprehend
rational, highly-organized scene
windows/doors left open to provide maximum ventilation
overuse of accelerant to maximize damage
fire set in abandoned vehicle in out-of-the-way area
surprisingly low inventory at a business
victim overly distraught–or not upset enough to seem convincing
business that has obsolete merchandise or faces adverse market conditions
fuel piled, or stacked up, unnaturally
CONCEALMENT OF ANOTHER CRIME
evidence of crime–i.e., robbery. burglary, embezzlement, or a fire death attributed to
prefire activities
considerable physical evidence of the crime–weapons, blood, etc.–likely to have survived
the fire
in cases of embezzlement, unusually heavy fire damage to business and other pertinent records
sophisticated devices rare
on-hand fuels and accelerant used
evidence of stacking or other attempt to maximize damage
lack of complete ignition
lack of proper fuels or ventilation
a general appearance of things “out of place”
fire set in attempt to divert attention from a crime taking place nearby
fire set to cover an escape (prison, mental hospital)
JUVENILE FIRESETTERS
generally male
small fires, set in closets, beds, or trash cans
recent emotional upheaval/stress in family (divorce, illness, unemployment)
family may have a history of moving
absent or inattentive father
school problems and learning disabilities
social problems among peers
accidental or unintentional fire
inability to understand consequences of actions
8 years old and younger will tend to set fires in the home
8-13 years old will most often set fires at school, generally with a revenge or
theft motive
Ages 13 and up will be more likely to set fires in groups; frequently
vandalism or burglary will be associated with the fire
Ages 13 and up will tend to set fires in vacant buildings or abandoned autos
often hyperactive or developmentally disabled
exhibit other forms of antisocial behavior–truancy, stealing, fighting,
running away
history of physical and/or sexual abuse
history of serious nightmares
unusually rich fantasy life
may be drawn to fantasy games, like Dungeons and Dragons
firesetting a possible gang initiation rite (adolescents)
limited parental supervision
history of playing with matches
most have no desire to harm anyone
history of firesetting
hate/spitE/revenge
fire accompanied by vandalism or other destruction of property, particularly property
of a personal, sentimental, possibly irreplaceable nature (clothes, bed, car)
point of origin of fire located in bedroom, especially on a bed or in a clothes closet
signs of disorganization and/or overly emotional state on part of arsonist
fuels/accelerant found “on-hand”
small amounts of flammable liquids may have been brought to the scene
time-delay devices highly unlikely
examine recent changes in marital situation and/or job status, as well as custody,
divorce, and other disputes
extremely aggressive/violent methods used to set/spread fire
victim of fire experiencing recent problems of stalking, harassment, and threats
victim financially secure and has no other motives to set a suspicious fire and
destroy personal property
pets and irreplaceable objects not removed
female revenge firesetters will often direct most fires against themselves and
their own possessions, as opposed to outer-directed firesetting; much more
self-destructive than male firesetters
predilection to alcohol consumption; not necessarily alcoholic, but heavy social
drinker
below-average IQ
high levels of rage
history of inability to control anger
tendency toward passive aggression
the most common type of arsonist
element of “payback” or intimidation established
generally middle-aged
fires set in late evening or early morning
no regard for the safety of others
items burned may be valuable only to the victim or used exclusively by the victim
history of domestic quarrels and/or love triangle
HERO/VANITY
arsonist likely to be watching the fire, helping with suppression
activities, or even volunteering responsibility for the fire
bystander who is “too helpful” to fire personnel
person “in the right place at the right time”
generally unplanned, opportunistic
fuels/accelerant usually used only if on-hand
recently rejected applicant for firefighter or police officer
prone to bravado, grandiose feelings
history of being a “fire buff”
very rarely female
high regard for safety of others
suspicious fire set in rural and/or low-population area where there are few
fire calls
Security guards/police officers may set fire to
relieve boredom
force company/department to hire extra guards/officers
In addition, they
generally carry a weapon
desire to prove their worth to company by “heroism”
desire public acclaim as a hero
“discover” the fire conveniently
Firefighters who set fires will tend to be
volunteers
male
young (18-25)
inexperienced, newly hired
In addition, they
rarely receive prestigious assignments
never underwent a background check
are eager to be accepted by other firefighters
are extremely gung-ho, “firefighter-of-the-year” type
are highly trained
receive extra pay for responding to calls
set nuisance fires, grass or other wildland fires, or fires in abandoned build-
ings or cars
are eager for attention, affirmation, or “pat on the back” by
family or superiors
work in an area with few fire calls
SOCIAL PROTEST/TERRORISM
fire takes place during time of civil/social unrest
fire set in symbolic government target or other symbol of authority
often accompanied by looting and vandalism
responsibility for the fire will be claimed in writing or in some
other public way by “responsible” group
fire set at economic, environmental, or political target
sophisticated fire delay and ignition devices, including radio-
controlled detonators, explosive charges, and chemical incendiary
mixtures
often in conjunction with a bombing
in addition to public target, random civilian target may be selected
to maximize civilian terror
arsonists who work in groups, as opposed to loners
