How has arson investigations changed over the past 20 years? Has it become easier to detect arsons?
Arson investigations have changed through more training and development of new technology and tools, along with National Fire Protection Agency NFPA 921 guidelines in how we conduct fire investigations. It has become easier to detect arsons because some information is more readily accessible and interagency work has increased.
Is arson on the rise or at similar levels?
Statistics from National Fire Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) show it remained about the same until 2008 and then rose. An estimated 30,500 intentionally set structure fires occurred in 2008, resulting in 315 civilian deaths and $866 million in property loss. The 17,500 intentionally set vehicle fires caused $139 million in property damage.
Is arson detection like we see on TV? It seems simple to determine accelerants and similar causes of arson. Is that realistic?
No, it is far more time consuming. It may take hours and days or even years to put some cases together. In regards to accelerant detection, the advent of canine detection and the equipment for detection has been an asset. It still takes a long time to process a fire scene.
Are there statistics on what arson costs business in Connecticut on an annual basis? If not, how about on a national basis?
Yes, statistics are collected from the Connecticut fire service and sent on to the state level Connecticut Fire Incident Reporting System collected by the state Department of Public Safety, state fire marshal’s office. The dollar loss for 2008, according to the state fire marshal’s office, was $56.6 million.
On a national basis, according to the National Fire Administration FEMA National “NFIRS” National Fire Incident Reporting System, there were 3,320 civilians who lost their lives as the result of fire and 16,705 civilian injuries. In addition, 118 firefighters were killed while on duty.
Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined and 84 percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences. There were an estimated 1.5 million fires in 2008. Direct property loss due to fires was estimated at $15.5 billion. This figure includes the 2008 California Wildfires with an estimated loss of $1.4 billion.
What are some of the leading causes of arson?
Fraud — arson for profit.
Is it always insurance fraud? Or are there other factors involved?
No, but it is one aspect. That is reflected in all of our insurance rates. To list a few motives, other factors are to conceal a crime, revenge, jealousy, intimidation, thrill, riots and vandalism.
Does a sour economy lead to more arson?
Yes, this has a direct effect. In hard times people do desperate things.
Will people torch properties before they let them be foreclosed or their cars repossessed?
Yes, people have the motive when they can no longer make payments and think it’s the easy way out.
Is there anything a business can do to protect itself against arson, say by a disgruntled employee?
Businesses should have a plan in place when discharging a disgruntled employee. Notify proper authorities, take any threats serious, making sure the building and property is secure and locked, changing locks and security access points, and making sure all security and safety systems are working properly.
