While national antiarson programs have made significant progress, the United States is still the arson capital of the industrial world. Arson is both an urban and a rural problem. It is increasing for a number of reasons: the public does not recognize it as a serious threat, it is highly profitable, and the risks of apprehension and imprisonment are low. Judicial attitudes contribute to these low risks -- for instance, judges tend to view arson defendants as nonviolent, white-collar criminals. Morever, arson's complexity makes it difficult to recognize and prevent, and effective antiarson programs are not widely disseminated. Police, fire, and insurance officials and prosecutors are frequently hampered by jurisdictional jealousies and other self-interest factors hindering coordination. Arson statutes in the 50 States do not treat arson uniformly in terms of civil or criminal penalties. Other factors hampering arson control are the lack of treatment facilities for the increasing number of emotionally disturbed arsonists and widespread economic problems encouraging desperate property owners to commit arson. The national antiarson strategy requires more effective management approaches; greater collaboration among Federal, public, and private sectors; improved criminal, civil, and insurance legislation; and better data reporting and analysis. Footnotes are provided. A list of Federal Arson Task Force members and 13 tables are appended. (Author summary modified)