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Washington Insurance Council Consumer Alert Contact:
Karl Newman, President
ARSON ALARM Foundation takes community approach to put out firesSEATTLE – Arson Alarm Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to stopping arson, plans to create broader awareness and help bolster local fire and law enforcement efforts in the fight against arson by expanding its annual awards program. Each year, Arson Alarm Foundation offers $10,000 in rewards to individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest or conviction of an arsonist. Instead of annual rewards presented in Seattle, the foundation will review award nominations on a quarterly basis and present the cash rewards in person to the individuals. Arson kills hundreds of people and causes more than $3 billion in property damage each year. Only 16 percent of all arson offenses lead to arrests and just two percent of those arrested are convicted. These statistics have led to national efforts to combat this devastating crime. At the forefront of this fight is the Arson Alarm Foundation. The Arson Alarm Foundation is a network of fire and law enforcement officials and insurance professionals. The Washington Insurance Council funds the organization. The foundation has rewarded more than 250 Washington residents for their efforts in fighting arson. The foundation offers a statewide, toll-free hot line (1-800-55-ARSON) for reporting suspected arson. Foundation officials also support the Juvenile Firestopper Program. Children under the age of 18 set more than 50 percent of all arsons. This program helps children through behavior assessment, counseling and education. -30- |
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