According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 317,000 intentional fires are reported to fire departments in the United States each year, causing an estimated $1.1 billion in property loss. Arson can devastate a community, resulting in the decline of the neighborhood through increased insurance premiums, loss of business revenue, and a decline in property values.
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
The theme for National Arson Awareness Week (AAW), May 2-8, is Community Arson Prevention. AAW activities will focus attention on the horrific crime of arson and provide communities with tools and strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and places of worship.
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 tax collections plummet, giving the community less and less resources to fight back.
Board up abandoned buildings to reduce arson incidents.
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.
Focus on Fire Safety: Community Arson Prevention Poster (PDF, 482 Kb) Download and customize this poster for local use.
Community Arson Prevention Video for Windows Media Player (6.6 Mb)
Download Text Transcript of Community Arson Prevention Video (Text File, 4 Kb)Last Reviewed: August 1, 2012
Happy New Year! Add this resolution to the top of your list: test all home smoke alarms each month - starting today! January 1, 2013 @ 10:04 AM ET
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