NCJ Number
97182
Journal
Fire and Arson Investigator Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1984) Pages: 9-14
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
As an aid to fire/arson investigators, this paper explores the dynamics of the revenge/spite firesetting motive, with attention to precursors of this motive and likely fire targets of the revenge/spite arsonist.
Abstract
The revenge fire is set by a person under great personal stress, and it has a high potential for loss of life and property due to the firesetter's obsessive focus on one specific objective and complete disregard for the consequences of his/her act. Targets are individuals or their property, various groups, government agencies, and businesses. In juveniles, susceptibility to revenge/spite arson may be indicated by previous firesetting behavior, truancy and rebellion, developmental disabilities or hyperactivity, improper responses to discipline, and poor relationships with peers. In adults, warning signs include financial problems, marital difficulties, love triangles, a history of domestic quarrels, romance problems, employment problems, and neighborhood spats. Signs that a fire has resulted from neighborhood spats. Signs that a fire has resulted from a revenge motive are found in the type of property burned, the materials used for ignition, and the residual evidence. Footnotes, a bibliography listing 11 references, and 2 appended tables are included.