Pyrophilia is a relatively uncommon paraphilia in which a subject derives gratification from fire and fire-starting activity.
Other than the purposeful act of fire-setting itself, there is no mention of the possibility that the tension or affective arousal experienced before the act; the fascination with, interest in, or attraction to fire and its situational contexts (for example, paraphernalia, uses, consequences); or the pleasure, gratification, or relief when setting, witnessing, or participating in the aftermath of fires might be sexual in nature or even contain a sexual arousal component.
Sexual gratification need not involve actual fire; arousal or masturbatory aids may include fantasies or talk of setting a fire.
In other instances, the patient may derive arousal primarily from setting or watching their fire.
Pyrophilia has been diagnosed in very few instances, and is not fully accepted by the general psychological community.