Arson Awareness Week Aims To Prevent Youth Firesetting

Sunday marked the beginning of Arson Awareness Week (AAW), which is part of a nationwide initiative to educate the public on preventing the loss of life and property stemming from this dangerous crime.

The USFA partnered with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI); Safe Kids USA; USAonWatch; National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the National Association of State Fire Marshals to announce this year's theme: “Prevent Youth Firesetting.”

In a statement acknowledging AAW, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater stressed that arson remains 'a serious crime that puts lives at risk.'

“It is truly tragic when a juvenile chooses to commit arson or any other crime, forever changing his or her life's course,” he said. “Raising awareness through initiatives like this can go a long way in preventing these crimes from happening and helping juveniles stay on the path to becoming upstanding and productive citizens.”

Between 2005 and 2009, fires started by children accounted for an average of 56,300 fires, the loss of 110 civilian lives, 880 civilian injuries, and $286 million in direct property damage each year in the United States.

Atwater noted that in 2011, the State Fire Marshal's Office investigated 1,539 arson cases and made 316 arson-related arrests. Of those cases, 77 were criminal arson cases involving juveniles which resulted in 126 juvenile arrests.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), intentionally set fires caused nearly $675 million in property damage in 2010, including $89 million caused by vehicle fires and $585 million caused by fires in structures, according to the NFPA. 

USFA and its partners said they will use the week of May 6 to 12 to focus public attention on the importance of a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire.

For more information about Arson Awareness Week 2012, visit the USFA website.