This is Arson Awareness Week - "Vehicle Arson - a combustible crime"



Each year during the first full week in May, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department partners work to raise awareness of arson and provide individuals with strategies to combat it in their community.
This year, Arson Awareness Week is May 4-10 and focuses on vehicle arson.

Vehicle arson motivations and prevention tips

Vehicle fire investigative hints and successful practices

Investigating a vehicle arson can be difficult. Read about three successful local program initiatives and hints that can help when you're investigating a suspected vehicle arson.

Vehicle arson statistics

  • From 2008-2010, 14 percent of all fires were vehicle fires. Of these fires, 7 percent were intentionally set. Source: USFA
  • From 2004-2006, an estimated 27,900 intentionally set vehicle fires occurred each year in the U.S. These intentionally set fires resulted in an average of approximately 40 deaths, 75 injuries, and $169 million in property loss each year. Source: USFA
  • During 2007-2011, local fire departments responded to an average of 20,400 intentionally set vehicle fires, accounting for 7 percent of intentionally set fires and resulting in an average of 32 civilian deaths, 67 civilian injuries, and $176 million in direct property damage. Source: National Fire Protection Association
  • Two-thirds of intentionally set vehicle fires occur under the cloak of darkness (9 p.m.-6 a.m.). Source: National Fire Protection Association
  • Over the last 10 years (2003-2012), there has been an average of 14,737 vehicle arsons reported, accounting for 26.5 percent of total arsons annually. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

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