The bushfires that threaten Australian homes and lives on a regular
basis originate with a small number of common causes. One is arson,
or the deliberate criminal setting of fires. The Bushfire CRC is
working to reduce the number of fires by learning more about the
incidence of bushfire arson, methodologies used in fire-setting,
and profiling of known bushfire arsonists.
To date the project has collated, reviewed and assessed current
arson prevention practices. It is now defining a detailed plan and
framework for development of best practice models. It is developing
a better understanding about arson in Australian bushland
environments, and in turn leading to the reduction of deliberate
and negligent fire-lighting in Australian bushland
environments.
The project has seen the publication of a comprehensive review of
the literature on motivation and treatment of arsonists and the
publication of a regular Bushfire Arson bulletin.
Through the development of greater knowledge about who starts
these fires, why they do it and what makes them target a particular
time or location, improvements can be made in the way investigation
and prosecution of offences is undertaken, as well as prevention of
bushfires.
Research team: Toni Makkai and Colleen Bryant, Australian
Institute of Criminology.
Derek Jory, Dept of Justice & Community Safety.
