Arson Awareness WeekBy the time you finish reading this sentence, an arson fire somewhere in the U.S. will destroy $600 worth of property. By the end of the year, a half-million arson fires will cost U.S. citizens more than 2 billion dollars. Arson fires kill 300 children every year and injure 3,000 more. The saddest part is that one third of those children killed die in fires they set themselves. For most people, the word "arsonist" brings to mind a dangerous criminal with some kind of axe to grind. But the majority of arsonists are not hardened criminals — they’re children. More than half of those arrested for setting destructive fires are under the age of 18.This year, May 28, is Minnesota Arson Awareness Week and the focus is "Youth Fire Setting and Juvenile Arson — the Preventable Fires." The fire protection and law enforcement communities want you to understand that education and intervention can change our shocking arson statistics. All you have to do is learn a little about the topic and pay close attention to events around you. Talk to your local fire officials; we can provide information for your family, school, or church group. Go to the State Fire Marshal Web site at www.fire.state.mn.us.Get involved and help make others aware of juvenile arson. The best way to solve the problem is to intervene before these young people hurt themselves and their communities. Donald C. DeutschFire ChiefCity of Luverne
