I've been worried terrorists might get the idea to start multiple fires during weather like this to cause all sorts of havoc. Can you imagine what 50 fires started around LA or in the Oakland Hills would do during Santa Ana conditions?

With regards to this guy, I think the motivation likely has to do with the thrill of seeing something he created ending up in the news. He had a special secret, and every news story gave him another frisson. Of course it also requires complete and utter disregard for the possible consequences, including possible deaths. He certainly needs to be locked away for quite a while to protect society.