Pyro-Terrorism: Recent Cases and the Potential for Proliferation

Several states have had to cope with pyro-terrorism aimed at their forest systems. This method of attack—the ignition of forest fires—harms a valuable natural resource and threatens human population and infrastructure. By adopting specific risk management practices authorities will be better prepared to address this asymmetric, yet rational, threat should it materialize. Prevention and deterrence based on vulnerability assessments would assist officials mitigate risks associated with forest-targeted pyro-terrorism. Given the unique nature and rarity of the threat, responses should be based on separate policies rather than drawn from a modern counterterrorism strategy and may call for engagement at a local level.