What is considered the deadliest motive for starting a fire?

The deadliest motive for starting a fire is often considered to be revenge or spite. This type of motive typically involves intense emotions and a deliberate intention to cause harm to others or property. Individuals motivated by revenge or spite may target specific persons or locations, increasing the likelihood of casualties because the act is premeditated and can be designed to inflict maximum damage.

Unlike other motives, like a desire for attention or accidental negligence, which may result from impulsive decisions or lack of foresight, revenge or spite often involves a calculated choice where the perpetrator acts with full awareness of the potential for severe consequences. This premeditation and emotional investment can lead to a higher fatality rate, as the perpetrator may intentionally set a fire in a manner that endangers lives.

Accidental negligence, while it can certainly lead to devastating fires, stems from a lack of intent to harm. Ventilation issues, although they can lead to fire spread or complications in smoke behavior, do not represent a motive in the sense of human intent behind the fire's ignition. Thus, revenge or spite stands out as particularly dangerous due to the combination of intent, planning, and the potential for achieving catastrophic outcomes.