261,330 Fires Set Every Year

Deliberate firesetting results in harm to individuals, property damage, and negative impacts on public health and emergency services. Data indicate that in the United States, emergency services respond to approximately 261,330 deliberately set fires every year. These fires result in 440 deaths, 1,310 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Approximately one million adults in the U. S. endorsed having deliberately set a fire after the age of 15 (Sambrooks, K. and Tyler, N., 2019). Adults who engage in firesetting often are involved in the criminal justice and/or mental health system.

The Method

Adults engage in firesetting behavior for a variety of reasons. Common factors that contribute to firesetting behavior include identification with fire, serious fire interest, poor fire safety, emotional regulation deficits, and problems with communication and relationships. The Multi-trajectory Theory of Firesetting (M-TTAF) model developed by Gannon et al. (2012) is the most comprehensive, empirically supported model for understanding firesetting behavior. This theory considers the developmental context, individual factors, moderators, and risk factors that contribute to deliberate firesetting. Treatment can be effective in targeting these factors, thereby preventing future instances of firesetting and improving overall well-being. Through treatment, individuals develop an understanding of the reasons they set fires, practice skills to coping with stress and negative emotions, develop skills to manage urges to set fires, and increase their fire safety awareness.