The literature suggest that firesetting emerges from a confluence of many factors, including learning contingencies that shape the normal childhood interest in fire, family and historical factors that can contribute to a conduct disorder, and triggering factors in specific instances of firesetting. In addition to illustrating the common clinical patterns of juvenile firesetting, the three case histories discuss the clinical method of diagnosis and treatment of childhood firesetting. The 'curiosity' firesetting and the firesetter with an 'adjustment disorder' can usually be helped to change their behavior through preventive intervention. It is important that such juveniles not be labeled chronic firesetters, because the expectation of continued firesetting may unconsciously stimulate the child to repeat the action. The 'conduct disordered' firesetter is a more difficult problem, since it is usually rooted in a dysfunctional family life. After the firesetting behavior is under control, major treatment efforts must focus on stabilizing the disorganized family. When appropriate controls cannot be implemented, and the risk of continued firesetting is high, hospitalization may be necessary. 45 references.