Arson Awareness Week

The theme for the 2017 Arson Awareness Week (May 7-13) is Preventing Arson at Houses of Worship. Each year for Arson Awareness Week, the U.S. Fire Administration gathers and shares information to raise awareness of arson or youth firesetting and provide strategies to combat these issues. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) is pleased to announce first-time partners: the Department of Justice’s Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’(ATF) Fire Investigation & Arson Enforcement Division. USFA will also partner with the International Association of Arson Investigators, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Fire Protection Association, Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and the Insurance Committee for Arson Control.

The week’s focus is on the importance of collaboration among fire and emergency services, law enforcement, insurance companies, and the justice system to help reduce arson at houses of worship. The new partners will help expand the collaboration and provide opportunities for reaching into communities with information and suggested prevention actions.

In addition, a webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 9th, at 2 pm, hosted by the Insurance Committee for Arson Control. The webinar will provide information on the three factors included in an arson prevention program, the five required steps to establish a Community Arson Watch program, and the most common motives associated with arson. Learn more and register.

“When arson touches our houses of worship,” said Acting USFA Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal, “it attacks the very foundation of our freedoms.”

For more information regarding the 2017 Arson Awareness Week, including materials to implement awareness and prevention activities in your community, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw.