Is it true that a lot of arson crimes are commited by firefighters, ex FF's, or people affiliated with FF'ing?

Answer 1

A fifth U.S. Forest Service firefighter has died of burns suffered when flames from a deliberately set wildland fire overran his five-man crew in Southern California last week

Answer 2

Very interesting question because there have been two such occurrences in our community in the last year. Now I must add that most arsons are by people seeking gain from the arson so I would not agree that there are a lot of FF's burning buildings for the thrill but there are enough to make it an interesting question.

Answer 3

It would be more appropriate to say that many arsons become firefighters. Arsons love fire...firefighters are around fire a lot. Becoming a firefighter doesn't magically make an arson not want to start fires anymore.

Answer 4

There are many cases of Volunteer Firemen starting fires, this is a very common occurrence. The key word in this statement is Volunteer. Most full time firefighters don't fall in this category, but some have on rare occasions.

Answer 5

Yes, especially in small rural areas with volunteer fire departments. it is because the arsonist loves fire so he gets on a vol. fire dept. but vol. dept. don't get to see a lot of fire in some places, just enough to feed the craving and make them want to see more. so a firebug will then go and set a fire, usually a grass fire, and then respond when the call comes in to go put it out. when i went through my fire training i don't remember what the exact number was, but over half of arson fires are started by firemen. ironic huh

Answer 6

There are arsons committed by these people, but thre isn't a great number of them.

Answer 7

I've heard that to be a true statement. I know my son was a "firebug" and he wanted to be a fireman. Injuries caused him not to be but he was a cadet.

Answer 8

Not a lot, but some to be sure.