Hero Syndrome: Volunteer Firefighters

Last, but not least, is the “would-be-hero” fire setter. These are the volunteer firefighters or people in public service who want to be heroes in their communities. They set fires, then come to the rescue of those in trouble because of the fires they set, saving people makes the volunteer firefighter a hero in everyone’s eyes. These fires will continue to happen until they are caught, because the hero urge inside them, keeps them wanting more and more attention. “These people have a superman fantasy life, with themselves as the heroic rescuer. But they can’t be a rescuer unless there’s someone in trouble. So they create their fantasy in order to act it out.” (Zonderman, 1999, p. 163) “While “Hero Syndrome” is not an actual disease, organizations

The investigation into arson fires helps fireman and police officers to profile the arsonist. Investigators need to examine the fires by observing the smoke, flames, and the building scene while the fire is burning. Open windows and doors suggest an effort to vent the fire and to help its rapid progress. Also the surrounding area needs to be checked for equipment they may have been used to start the fire, and for blankets or drawn shades. The blankets or drawn shades may indicate that an arsonist was involved in the setting of the fire. While watching the fire, the colors of the flames are indicative of the intensity of the fire. Sometimes they can also reveal whether or not substances are present. The colors range from yellow, to red, and blinding white. It is important to note the size of the fire. The first person on the scene should note the size of the fire when they arrive and document in intervals thereafter. This is helpful with the investigation. The size of the fire may be significant in relation to the time the alarm went off. Also if the fire is moving fast, it can mean that an accelerant or some other preparation was used. Photos should be taken of the fire while it is burning, as well as making pictures of the spectators. The person that set the fire is likely to be watching it burn. If the fire takes place at night and there is a fully dressed person in the pictures, it can be an indication that he/she may be the arsonist. After the fire is out, investigators should immediately start processing