Nationally, fires caused over 84 million dollars damage to educational structures in 1998. Arson is the leading cause of fires in educational buildings. Arson should not be considered a small crime. In Washington State arson combined with child set fires was the leading cause of fire deaths for 1999.
Arson robs communities of valuable assets in lives and property.
Arson is a seriously underreported crime, and schools are no exception. Only a small percentage of fire incidents in schools are reported to local fire departments. Every school fire should be reported to the fire department so that a fire investigation can be conducted. Early identification of young fire setters can lead to successful community based intervention strategies. Every fire, regardless of size or location, is significant and should be reported.