Firesetting in Young People

Firesetting is common in young people but has serious potential consequences in terms of death, injury and financial cost. For example, insurers estimate that the cost of fire damage to UK schools in 2001 was £65 million (APB, 2003). Many authors make a distinction between firesetting (which may include “match-play” and the setting of small fires in gardens) and “arson” where there is intent to cause significant harm to property or person. However, under UK law “Arson” is simply defined as an act of criminal damage where the property is damaged or destroyed by fire. Approximately one third of all arson attacks in the UK are thought to be carried out by those under 18 (Canter & Almond, 2002) with adolescents showing higher levels of aggression and lower rates of psychosis and alcohol dependency than adult arsonists (Bradford & Dimock, 1986). Courts treat arson cases seriously, with around a third of disposals being custodial (Soothill, Ackerley & Francis, 2004), although this figure may be lower for those under 18. Young firesetters are frequently encountered in mental health settings (Kolko, Day, Bridge, et al, 2001b) and, in particular, forensic services. Health professionals may become involved in relation to their firesetting behaviour, co-existing mental health problems or associated medico-legal proceedings. This article reviews research findings regarding juvenile firesetting, making some suggestions regarding the assessment and management of young people who engage in this behaviour.