The Illinois State Fire Marshal is highlighting the importance of Arson Awareness Week, drawing attention to the significant effects arson has across the state. The 30th Annual Arson Awareness Week ran from May 4 to 10, with the theme “Preventing Arson in the Wildfire Environment—A Community Approach.” In the past year, officials handled over 1,200 investigations, resulting in 59 arrests tied to suspected arson cases. Authorities stress the crucial role residents play in keeping neighborhoods safe, urging everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior. The state has established a dedicated hotline and a range of educational materials to assist in prevention efforts. Through increased awareness and community involvement, officials hope to reduce incidents and strengthen local safety.
“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.”
- Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush, and shrubbery and other combustibles away from buildings.
- Keep doors and windows locked when a building is unoccupied. Board up abandoned buildings. Do not use double cylinder deadbolt locks without keeping a key nearby, bars without quick release mechanisms, or other security provisions that could trap a person in a building with a deadly fire.
- Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, and mowers in an approved storage location: locked cabinets, locked storage units, and locked garages (prevent access to kids). Also, keep away from heat sources such as furnaces and any type of heaters.
- Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the local police and support Neighborhood Watch programs.
- If you suspect a child is setting fires, notify the proper authorities. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of young children.
- If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact your local fire or police department.
