During 2007-2011, an estimated 282,600 intentional fires were reported to U.S. fire departments each year, with associated annual losses of 420 civilian deaths, 1,360 civilian injuries, and $1.3 billion in direct property damage. Outside or unclassified fires accounted for three-quarters (75%) of these incidents, while 18% involved structures, and 7% were vehicle fires.
Preventing Arson Together
As a part of its 2008 Urban Fire Safety Project, NFPA worked with the Columbus (OH) Division of Fire to produce the “
Preventing Arson Together (8.2. MB)
presentation. Although there are many approaches to solve the arson problem, this program focuses on actions people in neighborhoods can to do to help prevent a variety of types of arson. This presentation is designed for fire and life safety educators to present. View the presentation in the “Notes Pages” mode to see both the slide and the script to use. Feel free to add local statistics and photos to the presentation; the photos and graphics in the presentation are copyrighted materials to be used only in the “Preventing Arson Together” presentation.
Facts and figures
Based on 2007-2011 annual averages:
- Although three of every four intentional fires are started outside most of the intentional fire casualties and property loss resulted from structure fires.
- Intentionally set home structure fires are more likely to be set in the afternoon and evening hours, between 3 pm and midnight.
- The bedroom is the leading area of origin for intentional home structure fires, while bathrooms are the leading areas in public properties such as stores, offices or schools.
Source: NFPA's "Intentional Fires" report, April 2014