This week marks national arson awareness week. The theme of this year’s campaign is to reduce arson fires in residential homes. Ninety-five percent of all civilian fire related deaths occur in one and two family homes.
This not only takes lives and causes injuries, but accounts for staggering numbers of dollars lost in property damage.
Approximately 17,000 intentionally set fires occur in residential buildings annually in the United States.
These fires result in approximately 280 deaths, 775 injuries and $593 million of property damage, not to mention the risk that first responders are placing themselves in to fight these fires.
- Five percent of all residential building fires were intentionally set
- Lighters (22%), heat from other open flame or smoking materials (19%), and matches (15%) were the leading heat sources of intentionally set fires
- Seventy-six percent of intentionally set fires occurred in one and two family homes
- Forty-one percent of arsons occurred in vacant properties
- Trash (8%), paper (7%), and uncontained ignitable liquids (6%) were the items most often first ignited in intentionally set fires in residential properties
- Intentionally set fires are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and midnight
- The bedroom is the most common area of origin for intentionally set home fires and trash was typically the first item ignited.
Statistics provided by (NFPA, BATFE, and FBI UCR program)
Remember that in Connecticut if you have information that can lead to an arrest, conviction, or prevention of an arson fire, you may be eligible for a reward up to $2500.
The Connecticut Arson Hot Line is 1 – 800-84ARSON.
For other information about arson or how to help prevent it, you may contact the Seymour Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 881‑5010.
