Pyromania vs revenge – why do people light fires?

Pyromania vs revenge – why do people light fires?

Author: ABC Australia July 5, 2025 Duration: 29:42

Australians know the devastation of bushfires all too well. So why would anyone deliberately light a fire?

In this episode of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we're exploring the psychology of arson.

Answering questions like, how does it relate to pyromania? What do we know about the profile of a typical arsonist? And how do investigators track down the source of a blaze?

Guests:

Dr Paul ReadClimate criminologist

Dr Nichola TylerSenior lecturer, forensic psychologySwinburne University of Technology

Richard WoodsDirector, Wildfire Investigations and AnalysisAdjunct Associate Lecturer, Wildfire Investigation, Charles Sturt University

Credits:

  • Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
  • Senior producer: James Bullen
  • Producer: Rose Kerr
  • Sound engineer: Emrys Cronin

Extra information:

Adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism who deliberately set fires: A systematic review

The truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this season

Some Coalition MPs say that arson is mostly to blame for the bushfire crisis. Here are the facts

Deliberately lit vegetation fires in Australia

Clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients engaging in fireplay or arson: a case–control study

What are the differences between children and adolescents who deliberately light fires?

The Acquisition of Fire


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
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