| Although "Arson Awareness Week" was implemented from May 3 to 9, this year, the subject is critical at any time. Fortunately, there are fewer arson incidents involving the lodging industry; but this becomes of concern as an off-the-job-safety issue. With the current economic situation, there will probably be arson efforts to resolve foreclosure challenges.
The losses from arson are staggering. There are many motives for arson, the crime of deliberate and maliciously set fires. One particular type of arson for profit or economic arson was the theme for the May, 2009 "Arson Awareness Week." Arson for profit occurs when businesses or individuals set fire to reduce financial loss, recoup initial investments, and dispose of depreciated assets, usually for a payout from insurance companies.
Referring to all types of arson, the Insurance Information Institute indicates arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property and killed 295 civilians nationwide in 2007 alone. By drawing people's attention to the astounding statistics, it is hoped resources will be expanded and support will be developed.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that in 2005, fire departments responded to an estimated 323,900 intentional fires. These fires resulted in:
490 civilian deaths,
1,500 civilian fire injuries,
$1.1 billion in property damage,
3 on-duty firefighter fatalities,
7,600 on-duty firefighter injuries.
An intentional fire is a fire that threatens harm or is started in a manner inconsistent with the goal of a controlled fire that avoids harm.
Larger cities have a larger percentage of intentional structure fires.
According to FBI statistics:
18 % of arson offenses were cleared by arrest or exceptional means,
In 2006, 49% of arrestees were under the age of 18,
An estimated 5-7% of arson offenses result in convictions.
Most often, fires are set during the night, making it difficult for investigators to find an eye witness.
Fire spreads quickly. A fire that starts at one property can easily spread to neighboring properties. Even if the fire doesn't spread, one serious arson fire can damage an entire neighborhood. Burned out homes can be a community eyesore. And if burned out homes sit unrepaired, they can decrease property values. Also, a damaged house can be a magnet for additional intentional fires or other vandalism. A damaged, vacant house can attract more serious criminals. Intentional fires are part of a vicious cycle that drives good families out and ruins entire neighborhoods.
What can be done? (Share this as an off-the-job-safety program).
Start with your own home.
Look over the area outside your home and consider what could be easily ignited and then grow into a larger fire. Clean the area. Make it harder for people to find things to set on fire.
Remove dead branches and overgrown plants and vegetation. Two-thirds of all reported intentional fires are started in outdoor items like trash or brush.
Pay particular attention to any large items on your property, such as abandoned cars. A large object can mean a large fire that can easily spread to a neighboring building. One out of every three intentionally set fires is a car fire.
Lock, shutter, and board up vacant buildings and homes to make it harder for intruders to enter. This is especially important for a house or apartment building that has been vacant for a long time because the longer a building sits vacant, the better the chance of being discovered by would-be fire setters.
Clean up overgrown plants and vegetation on vacant property just as you would your own home.
Watch for kids Half the people arrested for arson are under the age of 18.
Get to know the families and kids in your neighborhood or apartment building.
Report suspicious activity to your local police department. Organize or participate in a neighborhood watch program.
Intentionally set fires are a community problem. We can all take steps to protect our properties and neighborhoods. Being aware of statistics and of what's going on in your neighborhood are good starting points.
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ARSON