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Kansas Acknowledges Arson Awareness Week

By Joel Hardy

05/05/2015

(KAIR)-- Governor Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation officially recognizing May 3rd-9th as Arson Awareness Week in Kansas.

According to a release from the Kansas State Fire Marshall, the purpose of the week is to increase awareness of arson, which is one of the most costly threat to people and property in the state.

According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 17,400 intentionally set fires in residential buildings were reported to U.S. Fired Departments each year during the period between 2010-2012. These fires resulted in 275 deaths, 800 injuries, and $513 million in property loss. In Kansas, during the same period, there were 6,650 intentional fires resulting in 13 deaths, 55 injuries and $38 million in property loss.

The State Fire Marshall defines arson as the malicious burning of another person's occupied home or property. Some of the motivating factors of arson include curiosity, vandalism, concealing, excitement, and revenge.

To reduce the opportunity for arson in your neighborhood, residents are encouraged to illuminate the exterior and entrances to their homes, clear obstructions such as bushes, keep doors and windows locked, and securing vacant homes.

For more arson prevention tips, visit the Office of the State Fire Marshall's website firemarshall.ks.gov.

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