Juvenile Firesetting

Book excerpt: The study assessed the psychometric properties of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) questionnaires (Family Fire Risk Interview Form, Juvenile Fire Risk Interview Form, Parent Fire Risk Interview Form) used to record juvenile firesetting events. It also attempted to identify characteristics of firesetters, determine a basis for the variation in the severity of fires set, and determine the chance of recidivism. Specific types of firesetters exhibit a range of different characteristics. Maturational and environmental factors are implicated. Recommends that future examinations of this subject should include an examination of the firesetter's history, including cognitive and behavioural reviews, and parent and family influences and stressors.