The opening statement noted the growing criminal threat of arson for profit and attempted to take the mantle of "white collar respectability" off the crime of arson for profit. The opening presenter also pointed out that arson for profit is not a new phenomenon, that unscrupulous property owners often "arrange" for fires in order to receive large insurance payments and favorable tax benefits, and that "professional torchers" earn over $300,000 yearly. Hearing participants discussed the growing sophistication of arson-related criminal activities, property ownership patterns, insurance requirements, and the problem of arson nationwide. Hearing participants represented various government and private organizations and agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, the Property Loss Research Bureau, and the Fire Marshals Association of North America. They reported on ways of preventing arson and related property offenses, the conduct of arson investigations, and the need for adequate information on the arson problem. Tables and figures