State Fire Marshal Randy Cole
Announces Arson Awareness Week
JEFFERSON CITY, May 9, 2006-State Fire Marshal Randy
Cole and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety join with the United
States Fire Administration (USFA) and the International Association
of Arson Investigators (IAAI) in recognizing May 7th-13th, 2006 as
Arson Awareness Week. This year’s theme for Arson Awareness
Week is Wildfire Arson - Preparedness and Prevention.
Arson and other uncontrolled wildland or natural cover
fires pose a serious threat to lives, property, and natural resources
in our rural and suburban communities. Conditions are particularly
hazardous in the wildland-urban interface, where structures and other
human developments meet or intermingle with forests and grasslands.
The recent drought conditions in portions of Missouri increases the
potential of uncontrolled wildland and natural cover fires.
“By preventing and preparing for wildland arson,
Missourians are taking important steps to protect lives, minimize
property loss and ultimately provide for the safety of those public
safety officers responding to wildland fires,” Cole said.
During 2005, there were 7,343 natural cover fires reported
to the Division of Fire Safety. Those fires caused in excess of $173,000
in damage.
Since January 2006 there have already been 2,822 wildland
fires reported to the division. These fires have been responsible
for 10 firefighter injuries and have resulted in over one million
dollars in property damage, 506 of the fires were deemed as intentional
acts.
The increased risk of wildland fires, associated with
the rapid development of structures in the wildland-urban interface,
makes it all that more important to develop arson prevention and preparedness
programs.
The division looks forward to the continued efforts
of property owners, fire service organizations and local business
and government leaders.
Tips for Preventing and Preparing for Wildland Fires
· Clear trees and brush, and fuel tanks away from structures
· Landscape with an effort designed to provide a defensible
space around structures
· Maintain adequate outside water sources and a means of powering
water pumping or delivery equipment
· Maintain adequate ingress and egress routes to facilitate
firefighting efforts and equipment
· When possible, consider the use of fire-resistant noncombustible
building materials in construction
· Be vigilant and monitor any suspicious persons and vehicles,
especially in those areas prone to wildland fires
· Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities