PALM BAY, Fla. --
Fire investigators are looking for at least one person who apparently intentionally sparked a series of brush fires that have destroyed homes and forced hundreds of families from their homes.
It is believed that a majority of 20 fires burning in Central Florida Tuesday are linked to arson.
Port Orange Division Chief Chris Weir, who is nationally recognized for his work in arson investigation and prevention, said some arsonists use the fires as a power play.
"Sometimes they are down on their luck and sometimes they want to do it, just of the sick sense of it," Weir said. "They just go out there and put some sort of a sick, twisted power play."
FBI research shows that 80 percent of arsonists are single men with low self-esteem. They are usually 25 years or younger.
"It will keep growing until they are stopped," Weir said. "Until they realize that they are going to get trapped in it and get seriously injured or again, the public steps up and puts these people behind bars."
Weir said arsonists often begin starting fires as children and few are prosecuted.
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