Arson is the second leading cause of death by fire in the United States, exceeded only by losses due to smoking. However, arson is the leading cause of property damage due to fires. One of every four fires that occur in the U.S. each year some half million are arson. Arson killed more than 500 Americans in 1996. One out of every four dollars lost to fire is the result of arson.
Arsonists often escape punishment.
There appears to be a growing link between arson and illegal drug activity. Information from the U. S. Fire Administration . Many interventionists suspect that the numbers are even higher. Visit Juvenile Justice . This is an excellent site with helpful information for professionals who work with youth firesetters, as well as for parents and teachers.