Local officials mark National Arson Awareness Week

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail Nevada Mayor Bill Edmonds presents a proclamation to Nevada Fire Department members Robert Benn and Bill Thornton during Tuesday's city council meeting setting the week of May 6-12 as National Arson Awareness Week in Nevada.

Nevada Daily Mail

Local firefighters are joining with State Fire Marshal Randy Cole and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Arson Investigators in recognizing Arson Aware-ness Week, May 6-12.

This year's goal is to focus public attention on vehicle arson by raising their awareness level to the startling statistics of this crime.

Vehicle arson accounts for 29 percent of all arson. Annually, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association indicates over 30,000 intentionally set vehicle fires account for more than $150 million dollars in property damage. Arson is the second highest cause of vehicle fires.

"Arson is a costly crime impacting every individual who has property insurance," Cole said. "Missourians incur unnecessary costs associated with this crime through increased insurance premiums."

Financial gain through insurance fraud is just one motivational factor of an arson fire. Although many may view this type of crime as "victimless", this characterization is far from the truth.

Economic downturns are frequently linked to arson incidents.

Not only are auto thieves trying to destroy evidence, but financially strapped owners trying to get out of a costly auto debt in an attempt to collect on their insurance policy are just a few motivating factors.

A rash of such crimes took place in Vernon and Bourbon counties last year, when stolen vehicles were later found in a remote area, burned.

Keys to Preventing Vehicle Arson:

* Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.

* Use secure parking lots for extended periods.

* Close all windows.

* Remove the key from the ignition.

* Always lock doors.

* Use antitheft devices.

* Report abandoned vehicles to the police Law enforcement and fire service authorities alone cannot reduce vehicle arson.

Combating arson fires is a team effort. If you witness such a crime, please utilize the Arson Hotline 800-39ARSON to anonymously report such information.