Holt, Francis X. The arsonist's profile. Fire Engineering. Vol 147 No 6 (June 1994). p 127-128.

Abstract: This article discusses some of the motives and characteristics of arsonists.

Some of the common motives identified by the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) for arson are revenge, excitement, vandalism, profit and crime concealment.

Some of the common characteristics from different cultures such as France, Finland and Canada are discussed.

The author discusses the serial arsonist as "one who has been involved in setting three or more fires, with cooling-off periods of varying duration (days, weeks, or even years) between incidents." A profile of a typical serial arsonist is provided.

The events that may lead up to an arsonist setting a fire are referred to as "antecedent events." Fantasies of setting fires may actually precede the actual act.

A disturbing situation is that of a firefighter-turned-arsonist.

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