The Arsonist Profile Of The Pathological Firesetter

By Elaine Guthrie


Technically speaking, it is not illegal to start a fire. However, what makes the act illegal is when that causes damages to properties and even put people's lives at risks. When the fire is set to cause losses to lives and properties, then the one who started the fire will be charged with arson. Such a crime is punishable by imprisonment equivalent to the extend of the damages caused.

Certainly, there are fires that are caused by accident. On the other hand, there are fires which are also caused by people who have the actual intent of causing losses. It might be due to these criminal's whim. These criminals must be captured as soon as possible to avoid more problems. To have an easier time identifying the criminals, it would be good to understand the arsonist profile.

You can find many types of fire setters in existence these days. A part of the number of fire setters do the act because they are driven by their curiosity. There are those who use this act as a way to escape their reality. Others do it because they are fascinated with fire, though. Another type would be the pathological fire setter.

To know more about the pathological ones, you can usually see them as people who possess high IQ. You will be amazed to know that they are doing excellently in their schooling. Most of the people who are pathological arsonists are even enrolled in top schools. However, they might have history on severe emotional problems.

At times, despite having high IQ, they might show problems in their academic abilities. If not their academic abilities, then it might be in their behavior that they are showing problems in. Most of the pathological firesetters will oftentimes have difficulty when it comes to establishing relationships with other people.

The severe emotional problem is not the only matter that plagues a pathological fire setter. It is also possible that the pathological fire setter have a history of severe medical problems affecting their current state. Most often than not, their medical problem is basically a neurological problem that affects their state of mind.

Their past trauma can also haunt the pathological fire setter. Because of a past trauma, they can be triggered to start a fire that can help them forget about their fears. Most of the time, their trauma comes from the physical abuse or from the sexual abuse they suffer from their family, peers, or even from strangers.

It is also often observed that a pathological criminal is a loner. They especially like to keep to themselves and do not like to be bothered. They do not want to interact with the people surrounding them. Maybe it is due to them being loners that they grow their life long fascination with flames.

You still have a lot of things to take note of with a pathological fire setter. The knowledge you can gain from this ca help, especially if you are in the police or firefighting force. Your knowledge can help with the capture of the fire setters, thus preventing any more future fire accidents.




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