ABSTRACT
As introduced in the previous chapter, there is much more to understand about the human relationship with fire than only how it is misused. Fire plays a central role in our lives, although we may not always be aware of this fact, and similarly, it was central in the lives of our ancestors for millions of years. For these reasons, I argue that humans share a relationship with fire, which we need to appreciate in order to reach a fuller understanding of the misuse of fire in the form of arson and firesetting. In this chapter I will present an overview of the –human-fire relationship from a number of different angles. The discussion will explore humankind's symbolic, social and psychological connection with fire, alongside fire's biological and evolutionary significance (all of which interconnect), all of which has implications for preventative and rehabilitative interventions targeting firesetting.
