Arson and arsonists: Results from a study with a portuguese sample

The authors present data concerning the identification of Portuguese forest arsonists who were serving prison sentences for this crime. These offenders present several psychological features (alcohol abuse, mental illness, psychiatric care, low intelligence,...) and are issued from poor socio-economic backgrounds. No traces of antisocial or psychopathic personality were found. The authors also refer to necessity of taking a closer look to other causes of forest fires, mainly accidental 3nes, that account for a large proportion of occurrences and show that prevention is not functioning- well and negligent behaviours are riot considered for punishment, focusing on the importance of an environmental conscience that seems to be far away from the legislations trends on these matters.
Los autores presentan claws relativos a la identificaci6n de incendiarios forestales portugueses que cumplían condena por este delito. Estos delincuentes presentan diversas características psicológicas (alcoholismo, enfermedad mental, atención psiquiátrica, baja inteligencia,) y proceden de ambientes socioeconómicos pobres. No se encontraron trazas de personalidad antisocial o psicopática. Los autores también hacen referencia a la necesidad de atender a otras causales de los incendios forestales, principalmente las accidentales, que dan cuenta de una gran proporción de incidentes y muestran que la prevención no está funcionando Bien y que las conductas negligentes no se castigan, centrándose en la importancia de las consecuencias ambientales que parecen ir más allá de las tendencias legislativas en estas materias.
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia; Comissão Nacional para o Estudo dos fogos florestais