Arson Awareness and Prevention

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely. Here is what you need to know about choosing and using fire extinguishers!

Arson and Intentional Fires- Facts and Stats

• Although three of every four intentional fires are started outside most of the intentional fire casualties and property loss resulted from structure fires.
• Intentionally set home structure fires are more likely to be set in the afternoon and evening hours, between 3 pm and midnight.
• The bedroom is the leading area of origin for intentional home structure fires, while bathrooms are the leading areas in public properties such as stores, offices or schools.
• From 2007-2011, an estimated 282,600 intentional fires were reported to U.S. fire departments each year, with associated annual losses of 420 civilian deaths, 1,360 civilian injuries, and $1.3 billion in direct property damage.
• Outside or unclassified fires accounted for three-quarters (75%) of these incidents, while 18% involved structures, and 7% were vehicle fires.

Downloadable Resources

• Youth Firesetting: What You Can Do
• Intentional Fires Report
• Intentional Fires Fact Sheet