Classification of Firesetters Based on Motive
| Primary gain |
| Cathartic, excitement, sexual pleasure, boredom, relief of tension |
| Delusional, psychotic |
| Vindictive, revenge, jealousy |
| Instrumental (psychologic): self-destruction/suicide, heroism/recognition, cry for help, attention seeking |
| Secondary gain |
| Acquisitive, financial, insurance claim, profit, rehousing, extortion, professional |
| Instrumental (nonpsychologic): crime concealment, intimidation, facilitating other crimes, vandalism |
| Political protest, extremist causes, riot, terrorism |
| Other |
| Accidental, carelessness, curiosity, no obvious motive |
| Mixed motives |