Arson: By the Numbers

316,610 estimated intentional fires annually reported to U.S. fire departments (2003-2006) 437 estimated annual civilian fire deaths (2003-2006) 1,404 estimated annual civilian fire injuries (2003-2006) $1.1 billion estimated annual direct property damage (2003-2006) 10 firefighters died and 7,200 were injured in 2006 while on duty, at the scene of, or during response to, intentional fires 18% of arson offenses were cleared by arrest or exceptional means in 2007 Arson is difficult to prosecute, but the affects are felt throughout the community. Arson affects everyone: no exclusions. Workers lose jobs, towns and cities lose tax dollars, burned buildings create blighted areas, and innocent people are injured or killed. Uncontrolled arson, along with other serious crime, creates rampant fear among residents, business customers, and potential visitors. If the community’s streets seem out of control, people will be afraid to come into that area to visit or do business. These conditions can quickly lead to a second stage where residents who can afford to move out begin selling homes, even at a loss, to escape before “the bottom drops out.” Property taxcollections plummet, giving the community less and less resources to fight back collections plummet, giving the community less and less

Board up abandoned buildings to reduce arson incidents.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Reduce Arson

• Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery, and other combustibles away from buildings.
• Keep doors and windows locked when a building is unoccupied. Board up abandoned buildings.
• Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, and aerosols in an approved storage location, e.g., locked cabinets, locked storage units, locked garages (preventing access to kids), etc. Also, keep away from heat sources such as furnaces and other types of heaters.
• Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the local police and support Neighborhood Watch programs.
• If you suspect a child is setting fires, notify the proper authorities. It may not be “just a phase” the child is going through.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach and sight of young children.
• If you know or suspect that arson was committed, contact your local fire department.

Most Importantly … Be Prepared for a Fire!

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a “dual sensor” smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. A working smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire. Make and practice a home fire escape plan and set a meeting place outside. Be sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.