Motivation for Arson

There are many motivations for arson. They include:

• Fraud (insurance-related)
• Personal profit
• Concealment of another crime
• Vandalism
• Excitement (including pyromania)
• Social protest, riot, and terrorism
• Revenge or retaliation
• Jealousy

Motivation alone, of course is not sufficient to classify fire cause as arson. The arsonist must also have the opportunity or access to the vehicle, and the means, which includes the requisite knowledge, skill, and tools to set the fire. As a fire investigator, it is important to be aware of these motivations and the various risk factors that may be indicative of arson.