Arson Facts 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. Arson killed more than 500 Americans in 1996. One out of every four dollars lost to fire is as the result of arson.
Arsonists often escape punishment.
Only 16 percent of arson offenses lead to arrest, and only 2 percent of those arrested are convicted. There appears to be a growing link between arson and illegal drug activity. Last year, four communities which were experiencing an arson problem, were selected by the National Arson Prevention Initiative as Pilot Communities to demonstrate the efficacy of building community-based coalitions to combat arson at the grassroots level. We are pleased to report that their efforts have had a significant impact on their arson problem. Many of the activities they have engaged in to prevent arson also address some of the underlying societal issues in their community.