A survey was conducted of 54 firesetters who had been in hospital or prison. The results confirmed earlier findings on several aspects, such as male predominance, unstable childhood & proclivity to self-injurious behaviour. Revenge emerged as the most common motive & an association with alcohol was found. Arsonists in prison & hospital were found to have many features in common & generally were quite psychologically disturbed in contrast to those who set fires for profit. A poor outcome was found, with continuing self-harm & a high suicide rate. (22 refs)