What are the classifications of arson?
What are the classifications of arson?
Repetitive fire setting is broken down into three classifications. The classifications are: serial arson, spree arson and mass arson. Serial arson is as many as three fires set at different locations and each fire has a cooling off period between the sets.
When can someone classify fire as arson?
Definition: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc. Agencies must report as arson only fires determined through investigation to have been willfully or maliciously set.
What are the indicators of arson fire?
Any burning, substantial smoke discoloration and damage, charring, the existence of alligator burn patterns, destruction and damage caused as the results of explosives, detonation devices, and ruination by substantial heat meets the arson criteria.
What is spree arsonist?
Spree Arson – Spree arson involves an arsonist who sets three or more fires at separate locations with no emotional cooling-off period between the fires (Douglas, et al, 1992).
Why are arson cases so difficult to prove?
Arson fires can be very challenging to solve and prosecute for main two reasons: they are usually done in secrecy and much of the evidence goes up in flames, fire investigators and prosecuting attorneys say.
Who is most likely to commit arson?
Findings revealed that most serial arsonists were young white males; 58.7 percent of fires were set by offenders before 18 years of age, and 79.7 percent were set before 29 years of age.
How do you identify arson?
Common Signs of Arson
- A large amount of damage.
- No “V” burn pattern present, unsual burn patterns and high heat stress.
- Lack of accidental causes.
- Evidence of forced entry.
- Absence of valuable items.
- The same person shows up at unconnected fires.
- Low burning point with unidentifiable point of origin.
- Multiple points of origin.
What are some signs to look for that lead you to believe that arson may have occurred?
They include:
- Burn pattern: multiple origins or unusual origin location.
- Presence/absence, and/or condition of ignition key.
- Ignition lock/switch condition.
- Accelerants in unexpected location(s)
- Missing accessories, components, or personal property.
- Components that have been tampered with.
- Evidence of forced entry.
Why do arsonist start fires?
The majority of serial arsonists set only one fire in a location. The most common motive for setting fires was revenge, followed by excitement, vandalism, profit, and other crime concealment.
Is it arson to burn your own house down?
Burning your own personal property is only considered arson if you do so with the intent to commit fraud. You are guilty of insurance fraud if you intentionally set fire to your home, car, or other property in order to collect money from your insurance company.
What’s the difference between an arsonist and a pyromaniac?
While pyromania is a psychiatric condition dealing with impulse control, arson is a criminal act. It’s usually done maliciously and with criminal intent. Pyromania and arson are both intentional, but pyromania is strictly pathological or compulsive.
