Although firesetting can have severe negative consequences and knowledge on this offence and its offenders can contribute to much needed prevention, the firesetting phenomenon has received little attention in research. This study aims to contribute to the current body of knowledge by answering the central research question: How can Dutch firesetters be identified and individualized, and how can treatment be tailored to these persons? The first part places firesetting within a historical, contemporary and theoretical context. An extensive review of historical medico-legal literature regarding pyromania and firesetting from 1800 to 1950 shows that the views on firesetting as a culpable crime or an excusable expression of pathology changed over time, resembling a pendulum movement. In the first half of the nineteenth century firesetting was considered a pathological act caused by pyromania, whilst in the second half of that century punishment of firesetters was favoured over treatment; and in the first half of the twentieth century underlying pathology influencing firesetters was again emphasized. A more contemporary analysis of pre-trial forensic mental health assessed Dutch firesetters from 1950-2010 shows that having a mental disorder has become less important and the risk of being a danger to society more important in the forensic mental health advice given to the judiciary over time, indicative of a current societal movement emphasizing risk management more than treatment of mentally disordered firesetters. A theoretical background is provided for by the development of a multidisciplinary explanatory model of firesetting incorporating criminological, psychological and pathological perspectives to give insight in the question why a person sets fire. The second part comprises literature reviews on characteristics of firesetters, categorizations of firesetters and treatment of these offenders proving an up-to-date overview of the current body of knowledge. Results show that firesetters are a heterogeneous ...