According to the Arson Control Forum (I couldn't get the PDF link to work so google it if you want more details)

"Most arson appears to be committed by a minority of prolific offenders, many of whom are under 18 and also commit other offences. It has this in common with other types of crime and anti-social behaviour"

Firesetting is quite prevalent among young males and probably naturally so. Who has not personally known at least one pyromaniac. Mix this natural attraction with poor education, low social skills, broken homes, substance abuse and all the other ills that afflict the poor and disenfranchised and you get a high proportion of firesetting / arson incidents instigated by young males.   

theleveller Do you believe the arson might have been industry instigated? Please tell us your thoughts.