NCJ Number
94246
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the characteristics and motives of six types of arsonists: juvenile, arson for profit, criminal corruption, revenge, vanity, and pyromania.
Abstract
Juveniles who set fires are not always juvenile delinquents; most are expressing a natural curiosity about fire. Juvenile arsonists fall into age categories delineated by the locations of their fires. Children under eight are likely to set fires in attics, basements, closets, and garages. Boys from age 9 to 12 like to start fires at school, usually for revenge, spite, or to disrupt the classroom. Girls in this age bracket set fires to gain attention or to avoid an unpleasant event; their fires are often quite small. Boys from 13-17 years of age set two-thirds of all vacant building fires, either for revenge, or because they have been recruited as 'torches.' Arson for profit poses a more direct danger to human life and neighboring buildings. Many arsonists are attempting to cover up another crime -- for example, drug possession, murder, and embezzlement. This fire is usually the result of a spontaneous decision to use a fire as an accomplice in destroying evidence, creating a diversion, etc. The desire to kill, maim, or damage irreparably predominates in revenge fires. Vanity firesetters may be adult or juvenile, the purpose of the fire is to gain attention in both cases. Pyromania is an unexplainable mental illness subject to confusion with vanity or revenge. Reasons for pyromania include sexual gratification and an enjoyment in watching fire trucks and firemen in action. Ten footnotes are included.