Washington Insurance Council

                 Consumer Alert

Contact: Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director      
Washington Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@wiconline.org
darrin.sanger@wiconline.org

Arson escalates, study shows; you can help put out the flames

SEATTLE – Arson rose drastically in Washington last year.  According to the latest Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs’ Uniform Crime Reporting Section 

But, there is something you can do to help put out the flames.  The Arson Alarm Foundation, in conjunction with the Washington Insurance Council, contributes $10,000 each year to individuals who aid in investigations that lead to an arrest or conviction of a suspected arsonist.  Last year, Arson Alarm Foundation awarded eight people from around the Puget Sound area.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, arsonists kill nearly 800 people, injure thousands and damage more than $2 billion worth of property annually. 

“We are taking action to stop the devastation,” said Wes Bye, Arson Alarm President.  “People who come forward with information that leads to the arrest or conviction of an arsonist are eligible for up to $10,000 in rewards this year.”

Arson can ravage a family or community with one strike of a match. Arson is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths and accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fires in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  “Arson hurts everybody, either directly or indirectly,” said Karl Newman, executive director of the Washington Insurance Council. “We’re committed to stopping arson in communities across the state.  We’re asking everyone to help us save lives.”

If you have information about a suspected arson, please call the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON, 24 hours a day.  Callers can remain anonymous. 

Arson Alarm has awarded nearly $100,000 in the past 10 years.  Assistance from citizens during that span, has led to the arrest and/or conviction of many arsonists.

            For a free brochure Put the Heat on Arson, call the Washington Insurance Council at 1-800-664-4942, or 206-624-3330.

            The Arson Alarm Foundation is a non-profit organization that seeks to reduce loss of life and property by increasing arson awareness.

            Washington Insurance Council is a non-profit, consumer education organization funded by member insurance companies. 

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