This week is Arson Awareness Week and the State Fire Marshal is bringing awareness to the deadly crime. Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows there’s an average of 52,260 intentionally set structure fires in the U.S. each year. These fires caused an estimated 400 civilian deaths, 950 civilian injuries, and $815 million in direct property damage each year.
“Arson is not only a crime—it’s a dangerous act that puts lives, property, and entire communities at risk. We have seen the devastating effects intentionally set fires can have on not only communities but families,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “During Arson Awareness Week, I encourage everyone to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and help us prevent these devastating fires before they start. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and together, we can help make our communities safer and free from intentionally set fires.” So far this year, the OSFM has responded to 374 fires and arrested 12 people related to those fires. In 2024, agents with OSFM responded to 1,210 investigations, concluding that 282 of those were ruled as incendiary or intentionally set. Additionally, 59 people were arrested for arson cases last year.
