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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Fire Department
602 West Second Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact Kelli Latuska,
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
DATE: 5/3/2011
SUBJECT: Arson Awareness Week
BY: Marnie Grondahl 218-348-0938

NATURE OF INCIDENT: Arson Awareness Week
CASE NO.:
INCIDENT DATE: 5/3/2011
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:

 

                                        Arson Awareness Week 

 

In Minnesota, 1,268 arson fires were reported in 2009. They included 330 structure fires and 159 vehicle fires, with a total dollar loss of more than $6 million. Figures reported to the State Fire Marshal by local fire departments show that only six of Minnesota’s 87 counties experienced no arson fires that year. Since 1989, arson fires in our state have caused at least 53 deaths and more than $318 million in property destruction.
 
The crime of arson is usually identified by investigators, but too often, the criminal is not. It can take a community to catch an arsonist, and that’s one reason for Arson Awareness Week. People who are watchful and know the facts on arson can help prevent it or help apprehend arsonists.
 
The Duluth Fire Department advises citizens who know of, or suspect an act of arson to call their fire or police department. Report suspicious activity near houses or buildings, and participate in Neighborhood Watch groups. In addition,
·         Don’t allow leaves, firewood or other combustibles to remain near buildings. They make arson easy for vandals and cause flames to spread rapidly.
·         Keep doors and windows of unoccupied buildings locked. Keep the keys handy. If necessary, board the building up.
·         Illuminate the exterior of buildings at night and keep commercial dumpsters at least five feet from building walls.
 
The Duluth Fire Department in 2010 investigated 9 fires that were considered arson, and works coopertively with the Duluth Police Department. Both departments would like to remind the public to make use of the Minnesota Arson Hotline, It is there to help stop arson, and your call may be anonymous. The Arson Hotline number is 800-723-2020 or Duluth Police Officer Todd Kuusisto 730-5709