Most pyromaniacs are men. Pyromaniacs exhibit a severe inability to relate normally to other people. They are generally loners and often drink alcohol heavily. They often use exaggerated facial expressions to prove their innocence when answering questions. Pyromaniacs usually set fires in a consistent pattern such as time of day, repeating the same method or targeting similar places.
Many arsonists share some of the pyromaniac's personality traits.
The types of fires set also differ. Their fires are generally set for a purpose, whereas a pyromaniac almost always starts fires for self-satisfaction. There are many reasons juvenile firesetters set fires. Sometimes fires are set out of simple curiosity or boredom, but many times firesetting is an indication of underlying behavioral problems. Fire safety education,professional mental health therapy, or a combination of both, may be needed.