Arson more common than most people think

People can lose their homes or lives to an arsonist, and firefighters can lose their lives trying to save the house or occupant. Every year, this unfortunate event occurs at an alarming rate.

The goal of this year’s Arson Awareness Week, May 3-9, is to focus public attention on arson for profit. We hope that by drawing people’s attention to the alarming statistics about arson for profit, we will help to expand the resources and support necessary to reduce this crime. There are many motives for arson — the crime of deliberately and maliciously setting fire. Arson for profit, or economic arson, is when businesses or individuals set fires to reduce financial loss, recoup initial investments, or dispose of depreciated assets usually for a payout from insurance companies.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2005, an estimated 323,900 intentional fires reported to U.S. fire departments resulted in 490 civilian fire deaths, three firefighter on-duty deaths, 1,500 civilian fire injuries, 7,600 firefighter on-duty injuries and more than $1 billion in direct property damages.

Reasons range from being overwhelmed by mortgage payments, need for cash from an insurance payout, desire to destroy a house, suicide attempt, homicide attempt, car and boat payments, slumping business sales, eliminating competition, youths without direction, or just an addiction to fire.

There are many ways to identify arson, and fire department personnel are trained in discovering these ways. Police departments, federal agencies, and state fire marshals often become involved in fire investigations and help to determine the origin of the fire with the fire department. Some of these include:

• While crews are inspecting remains after the fire is extinguished, expensive furniture and electronics are gone.

• Pour patterns are found where fuels were used to accelerate the fire.

• The owner has insurance paperwork in their hands despite having not been home.

• Fire spread which was more rapid that it should have been.

• Locked doors behind homeowners as they exited the house and many other signs.

If you suspect a person has committed arson, you should immediately call 911 and report it to police and the fire department. If you heard people discussing arson, or saw some suspicious behavior whether by someone you know or a stranger, it will help in the investigation. This extends to house fires, but also to wildfires and vehicle fires. Rewards are sometimes offered that result in conviction of people who intentionally set fires, and of course, the ultimate reward of having done the right thing. A person who commits arson once and gets away with it is very likely to repeat the habit, especially if a youth. Do you want to risk being silent for a friend, and possibly be a victim later?

Listed below are some tips to reduce the chances that you may become a victim of arson. External and internal security such as locks, alarms and monitoring equipment can deter an arsonist. Arsonists, like burglars, fear light. Be sure to have sufficient lighting. Do not provide cover for the arsonists. Get involved with community awareness and watch programs.

• Secure and monitor unoccupied and abandoned buildings.

• Remove trash, debris and other combustible materials from the front and back of your business or home.

• Remove or securely store flammable material and chemicals from your business or home.

• Lock your doors and windows.

• Report suspicious people and activity to law enforcement officials.

• Support local Neighborhood Watch programs.

• Illuminate the exterior and entrances.

• Remove garbage cans daily during non-school hours. Garbage has been used as an ignition source for arson fires or to keep an unwelcome visitor warm.

• Keep Dumpsters at least 10 feet away from buildings and roof overhangs. Make sure all discarded materials are placed inside the containers and padlock them after school hours.

• Lock and secure your vehicle.

Lt. Christian M. Hartley is a responder with the Houston Fire Department, as well the public information officer and training officer. Questions and comments are invited to hartley@myopinionmatters.org .