Washington Insurance Council

                  Consumer Alert

Contact: Karl Newman, Executive Director      
Release Date: 5/23/2001

Washington Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@wa-ic.org

UW fire ignites Arson Alarm’s $10,000 rewards program to help fight arson 

SEATTLE – Monday’s arson that stormed through the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture has devastated students and school officials. Unfortunately, this is just one of hundreds of arsons that plague Washington state each year.

The Arson Alarm Foundation, in conjunction with the Washington Insurance Council, contributes $10,000 each year to encourage citizens around the state to help fire investigators and police arrest or convict suspected arsonists.

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 the UW fire or any 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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