The Wire

In the wake of arson suspicions surrounding recent grass fires in North Queensland, authorities are gearing up for the warmer summer months. Victoria has recently launched its Bushfire, Arson and Explosives Specialist Group to catch arsonists, whilst NSW earlier this year reactivated its police strike force directly targeting arsonists. But what makes someone start a fire, and why do they do it?

Dr JANET STANLEY is the Chief Research Officer in the Sustainability Institute at Monash University. Working closely on advancing bushfire arson prevention in Australia, she’s looked into who arsonists are, what motivates them and how we can best prevent arson.