The term pyromania comes from the Greek word πῦρ (pyr, 'fire'). Pyromania is distinct from arson, the deliberate setting of fires for personal, monetary or political gain. Pyromaniacs start fires to induce euphoria and often fixate on institutions of fire control like fire houses and firemen.

What causes someone to be a pyromaniac?

The exact cause of pyromania isn't yet known. Similar to other mental health conditions, it may be related to certain imbalances of brain chemicals, stressors, or genetics. Starting fires in general, without a diagnosis of pyromania, can have numerous causes.

Does pyromaniac mean?

: a person who has an uncontrollable impulse to start fires : a person affected by pyromania A psychological assessment commissioned by the defence came to the conclusion that Schalm was not a pyromaniac, nor was he bipolar, making the risk of recidivism minimal.—