Fire, law enforcement, and prosecutorial officials in 4 rural counties were extensively interviewed; rural arson control experts examined the results and developed the 23 statements of need which are outlined. Volume I briefly discusses existing programs that address all or part of the need, and Volume II contains comments by experts on programs they were involved in that addressed all or part of the need. Problems are reviewed, and recommendations are made regarding; firefighter arson awareness; cause determination; fire suppression; fire scene photography; firefighter training; investigative staff skills, workload, and shortage; regional arson units, 'total burn' syndrome, juvenile prosecution, interagency communication, insurance industry support, and public education. Project findings revealed that rural constraints hindered arson control efforts, deep-seated problems, particularly with the volunteer fire service, were connected with efforts to cope with arson; and rural fire departments did not operate with the best information about rural arson control and detection. Specific, wide-ranging initiatives were indicated. U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) improvement of rural arson control through antiarson efforts and its own fire departments, USFA packaging and dissemination of field-proven solution strategies, and greater use of law enforcement resources, insurance industry resources, and community-based volunteers were recommended. Appended study data.