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
What Families Can Do To Be Fire Safe
Youth fire-setting is often referred to as the preventable arson.
Each year in this country, fires set by children are responsible for more than 100 fire deaths, nearly 1,000 painful burn injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Children are often the victims in these fires. While curiosity about fire is natural, fires set by children are dangerous and deadly.
Why Do Kids Set Fires?For most young kids, the motives to set fires are experimentation and curiosity.
The best way to understand why children set fires is to look at their motivations for fire-setting. For most young kids, the motive is experimentation and curiosity. Motives can involve curiosity, a cry for help, thrill-seeking, willful intent to cause destruction, or by children who suffer from mental or emotional problems.
Remember, if you suspect your child is setting fires, you are not the only parent ever to face this problem. Contact your local fire department immediately. Explain the situation to them. Many fire departments offer youth fire-setting prevention and intervention programs.
Parents, caregivers, and public educators, whether they are from the fire department or the school system, can build an informed foundation by teaching fire safety at an early age. Teach children of all ages that fires, even small ones, can spread quickly.
Teaching Children Fire Safety, the most critical message for children to learn is that matches and lighters are tools, not toys! Parents should never use lighters, matches, and fire for fun; children will mimic you, and when they do it unsupervised, tragic events can result. Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire. Set a good example: use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior too.
Youth fire-setting is often referred to as the preventable arson.
Each year in this country, fires set by children are responsible for more than 100 fire deaths, nearly 1,000 painful burn injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Children are often the victims in these fires. While curiosity about fire is natural, fires set by children are dangerous and deadly.
Why Do Kids Set Fires?For most young kids, the motives to set fires are experimentation and curiosity.
The best way to understand why children set fires is to look at their motivations for fire-setting. For most young kids, the motive is experimentation and curiosity. Motives can involve curiosity, a cry for help, thrill-seeking, willful intent to cause destruction, or by children who suffer from mental or emotional problems.
Remember, if you suspect your child is setting fires, you are not the only parent ever to face this problem. Contact your local fire department immediately. Explain the situation to them. Many fire departments offer youth fire-setting prevention and intervention programs.
Parents, caregivers, and public educators, whether they are from the fire department or the school system, can build an informed foundation by teaching fire safety at an early age. Teach children of all ages that fires, even small ones, can spread quickly.
Teaching Children Fire Safety, the most critical message for children to learn is that matches and lighters are tools, not toys! Parents should never use lighters, matches, and fire for fun; children will mimic you, and when they do it unsupervised, tragic events can result. Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire. Set a good example: use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior too.
- Always supervise young children.
- Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.
- Use child-resistant lighters, but remember that they are not child proof.
- Instruct young children to inform an adult if they find matches or lighters.
- Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms throughout your home.
- Plan and practice home fire-escape drills that include two ways out from every room.
- Install residential fire sprinklers in your home.