Differentiating firesetters : lessons from the literature on motivation and dangerousness

This chapter reviews in detail the long history of exploration of firesetters’ motives and underlines the importance of revenge, vandalism and excitement. However, as fire is inherently somewhat unpredictable, research has only recently begun to identify the centrality of firesetting behaviour in the prediction of future firesetting risk. The courts rightly value the identification of recklessness and intention to endanger life, and look to mental health professionals for guidance. We conclude that the future direction of clinical assessment and research should centre on behaviour, intention and the prediction of risk.