When wildfires rage, one question often comes up: Why would someone deliberately set a fire? It’s a question Ed Nordskog, a retired arson investigator, has spent decades trying to answer. “Arsonists are truly odd criminals,” he says.

Arson isn’t a one-size-fits-all crime. People set fires for countless reasons, from financial gain to pure chaos. Some are one-time offenders—like someone torching their car for insurance money. Others are serial fire-setters, driven by darker, more complex motives.

Psychologists suggest common traits among arsonists: difficulty communicating emotions, impulsivity, and a fascination with fire. But motivations can be hard to pin down. “We’re still learning about the psychology of arson,” says one expert.

In urban areas, dumpster fires, car fires, and even trash fires are everyday occurrences. Often, these are linked to homelessness or mental health issues. One woman arrested during recent wildfires reportedly said she “enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.” Yet, experts say, chaos is rarely the main driver. Instead, economic desperation or untreated mental illness plays a bigger role.

Then there’s the rare, dangerous subset: serial wildland arsonists. These individuals plan meticulously, using delayed ignition devices to ensure their fires spread while they escape. Some are even firefighters, driven by boredom, a desire for heroism, or financial incentives.

Climate change adds another layer of risk. While arsonists may not act more often during extreme weather, the conditions can turn a small fire into a massive disaster. A recent California blaze, allegedly started by a burning car pushed down an embankment, became one of the state’s largest wildfires due to extreme heat.

“If they light that fire, regardless of intent, they have no control over how big it gets,” warns one fire expert.

Understanding arson is crucial as wildfires become more frequent and intense. Behind every fire is a person—and often, a story far darker than the flames themselves.