National Arson Awareness Week: May 4-10, 2014

Each year during the first full week in May, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and our 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

Learn about the most common motives for setting vehicle fires and tips you can share with your community to prevent vehicle arson.

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