Arson: A Crime Too Dangerous To Ignore

Arson takes a devastating toll on people and property in every Washington community. According to the Washington Fire Marshal, during a recent five-year period, incendiary, suspicious, and undetermined fires resulted in multiple deaths and injuries and caused at least $100 million in damage.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nationally, arson kills nearly 800 persons each year and injures thousands. More than $1.8 billion worth of property is consumed by deliberately set flame.

Everyone feels the effects of arson. Fire-gutted buildings and burned-out businesses impact communities with a chain reaction of unemployment, reduced tax base, and higher insurance premiums. The U.S. Senate calls arson the nation's fastest growing and most costly crime against property. Some estimates place arson growth over the past decade at more than 400 percent.

YOU CAN HELP
Arson is a shadowy, difficult-to-fight crime. Since 1978, the Arson Alarm Foundation has sponsored a toll-free hotline for Washingtonians to report information about suspected arson fires.

Perhaps you witnessed or heard something suspicious just before or after a fire. You might have discovered a clue that could help investigators. If so, call:  1-800-552-7766

You don't have to be certain your information is important. You don't even have to leave your name. Simply call the Arson Hotline 24 hours a day, and your information will be given promptly to the appropriate authorities. You could make the difference between a crime going unsolved and putting an arsonist behind bars.

THE WASHINGTON LOCAL AWARD PROGRAM

The Arson Alarm Foundation offers a substantial fund from which cash awards are made to Arson Alarm Hotline callers who provide information that helps authorities arrest or convict arsonists.

Arson award nominations can be made by any fire chief, police chief, state police superintendent, sheriff, or prosecuting attorney on behalf of an investigator who receives vital information from a private citizen. (To be considered for an award, information must concern fires in Washington.)

Click here to get Local Award Guidelines (Washington Only)

ARSON ALARM FOUNDATION GOALS

The Foundation seeks to reduce loss of life and property by increasing arson awareness and teaching the public how to fight arson. The Foundation has implemented several anti-arson programs:

• Grants that help local agencies obtain arson-detection and investigation equipment or training
• Comprehensive research funded through Foundation supporters
• Statewide educational seminars for public officials and private industry
• Media campaigns that teach how to reduce arson
• A toll-free statewide Arson Hotline (1-800-55 ARSON) yielding information that can lead to arrests and convictions.
  Click Here to Request More Information  

The Arson Alarm Foundation relies solely on contributions for its programs and strives to maintain broad-based support from private and professional agencies.