This report considers the role of the behaviour of victims (and others) in regard to fire ignition and consequent fatalities in 131 unintentional New Zealand residential fire deaths between 1997–2003. The main study examined inquest files into these deaths to consider a range of fire dynamic, demographic, forensic, and behavioural features in each case. The findings support other research that highlight the potent role of victim behaviours in fire ignition and spread, and in fatal outcomes. Significant factors identified include alcohol consumption, acts of omission, carelessness, dangerous habitual behaviours, and consequences of disabilities. The very young, the elderly, those with disabilities, and lower socioeconomic groups were identified as being at most risk of residential fire deaths.

A simple dichotomy between intentional and unintentional fires was not established, as several victims fell into a borderline group whose role in fire causation was established (although intent to cause harm was not). Accordingly, a new theoretical model relating to intentionality in fire causation is proposed which suggests a need for differential intervention strategies for those “at risk” groups identified by the literature and highlighted in the study. It is concluded effective fire safety and prevention strategies must address behavioural characteristics of victim groups, especially sociopsychological processes, attitudes, and cognitive patterns that contribute to elevated fire risks.