Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2014 | Page 33

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

Crime Concealment. Examples of firefighter arson can be found in
each of the six motive categories (United States Fire Administration 6).

TABLE 1 - COMPARISON OF SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY
COMMISSION VS. FBI NCAVC PROFILES

The most frequent motives of firefighter arsonists include “the need
to be seen as a hero, to practice extinguishing fires, or to earn extra
money” (United States Fire Administration 6). Excitement was also
a common motive of firefighter arsonists (Burton). The Australian
Institute of Criminology found that when firefighters commit arson,
it was usually “out of a desire for excitement or as a way of gaining
attention and recognition”. Ken Cabe, author of a South Carolina
Department of Forestry study of firefighter arsonists, noted that
many firefighter arsonists belonged to fire departments that do not
respond to many calls. Cabe concluded that the firefighter arsonists
“are excited, eager, and motivated” and that “the alarm doesn’t sound
nearly often enough” (Cabe). Matthew Hinds-Aldrich, an assistant
professor of fire science, and the lead author of the Report on the
Firefighter Arson Problem, concluded that some volunteer firefighters
illegally set fires out of “boredom” (Frankel).

SOUTH CAROLINA
FORESTRY COMMISSION

FBI NCAVC

White male, age 17-26
Product of disruptive, harsh, or
unstable rearing environment.

Lack of stable interpersonal
relationships.

Poor occupational adjustment,
employed in low-paying jobs.

Poor occupational adjustment.
Menial laborer, skilled laborer,
clerical jobs.

Fascinated with the fire service
and its trappings.

Interested in the fire service in
the context that it provides an
arena for excitement, not for the
sake of public safety.

May be facing unusual stress
(family, financial, or legal
problems.)

Alcoholism, childhood
hyperactivity, homosexuality,
depression, borderline
personality disorder, and
suici