Detecting Arson Events ... Help Needed

Preventing is a difficult task.  Are you sure that's what you mean?

Preventing arson thru analytics might be tough as U2 says.

Though there are some that might claim to be able to do it:

An Israeli startup claims to have developed new facial imaging technology which can identify anyone, be it poker players, geniuses, extroverts, terrorists or paedophiles, just by looking at a subject's face. The technology firm claims its facial imaging technology can distinguish an individual's unique character traits, which are unnoticeable to the naked human eye.

Personally, I’m not believing it, but just throwing it out there because you asked :)

I am an intrusion rep for Bosch. 

Arson prevention using technology sounds like a tall order to fill, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it is currently impossible. Early detection may be the best you can do. 

Bosch has a video based fire detection product, which is designed to detect fires faster than a smoke or heat detector. Here's our blog post on the product.

This product is most practical in large, open spaces, of course.

Consider using Ultraviolet sensor integrated with your CCTV. Simple, reliable and very fast detection.