Arson Statistics
During 2002, fire departments in Washington State reported an estimated 845 arson fires. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs reported 2,083 arson fires, which caused over $26 million in property damage with 501 arrests. Juveniles accounted for 63 percent of these arson arrests. Click here for statistics on Fires Caused by Arson in Washington State.

Arson Investigations
Arson investigations are conducted on fires when there is a loss of life, when there is a strong probability of arson, or when local jurisdictions request assistance. Click here for more information about Fire Investigations conducted by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Children and Fire, What You Can Do
Firesetting by children is a problem that needs immediate attention. In Washington State, children with access to ignition devices set fires that took 21 lives during 1998-2002. The victims of these fires are the children themselves and their family members. Gaining an understanding of firesetting will help you to prevent it. First, an understanding of the power of fire is important. A fire can get out of control in seconds, can double in size every minute, and can overcome an entire home in just five minutes. Second, controlling access to matches, lighters, and other materials that can start fires is critical. Store matches and lighters in locked containers. Teach children if they find matches or lighters to tell an adult. Third, increase supervision of children. Track your child's activities. Ask yourself, "Is my child adequately supervised? Are there ways I can provide more supervision? Teenagers set fires for many reasons; most don't realize they are breaking the law and could go to jail. Remember, firesetting is a crime and parents have primary responsibility to teach their children about the dangers of fire. To learn more about how to make your home and family safer from children using fire, order these important booklets:

Understanding Youth Firesetting
Do not ignore or deny the warnings signs of firesetting. Most children set fires out of curiosity. Others are reactionary, because they are upset and need attention. Teenagers may light a fire due to delinquent behavior but often don't realize they're breaking the law and could go to jail. Regardless of how severe the firesetting behavior, you can get help. The Firestoppers Network of Washington is a group dedicated to firesetting issues in twelve of Washington's 39 counties. Click here for Youth Firesetting Intervention Contact Information. Fire Stoppers of Washington reported the most common type of incident as fireplay, or children using lighters or matches, at 43 percent of the 965 incidents referred. Thirty eight percent (38 percent) had fire play that resulted in a fire and 11 percent had a fire that was intentionally set. Fireworks and making of explosives made up 3 percent of the referrals. This same study showed that 14 percent of the referrals were for fires set at schools.

Reporting School Fires
Schools are required to report all fires to the fire department in accordance with Uniform Fire Code 1302.2 per RCW 19.27. It is estimated there are nearly 300 school fires a year. It is well known that these school fires are under-reported. Reporting of school fires is critical to understand the nature of the problem. Early access to fire department resources can prevent further property damage and can provide intervention for fire setters. Click here to print a step-by-step guide for teachers and school administrators on Reporting School Fires, School Arson Fires, School Fire Drills, and information on Fires in Educational Occupancies.

 
Links to Related Sites

• SOS Fires
• Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office
• Idea Bank
• Kids and Fire
• United States Fire Administration - Arson