News from New York State Department of State

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New York Department of State Designates May 4th – 10th as Arson Awareness Week in New York State

Office of Fire Prevention and Control Calls for Increased Awareness

ALBANY, NY (05/05/2008; 0953)(readMedia)-- Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez today designated May 4 - 10, 2008 as “Arson Awareness Week” in New York State. The Department of State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), joining the efforts of the U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Arson Investigators, are raising public awareness about the dangers of arson and other fires set intentionally.

The danger of toylike or novelty lighters is the focus of this year’s Arson Awareness Week. The lighters can be designed to look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, cameras, fishing lures, or doll accessories, among other designs. Children are more likely to play with these kinds of lighters and start a fire as a result.

Governor David A. Paterson said: “Parents already know that matches pose a threat. It’s not widely known, however, that children are more likely to start a fire using a lighter. Novelty lighters pose an even greater risk. Adults need to be aware of these dangers, and take preventive action, before it’s too late.”

Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, who oversees OFPC, encouraged all New Yorkers to take an active part in stopping youth from gaining access to these or any other lighters. “Adults must be vigilant in keeping these lighters out of the reach of children. These lighters are not toys; they are cute yet extremely dangerous. Ideally, they should be removed and replaced with traditional lighters. All lighters should be kept away from places, where children can gain access to them.”

State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison said: “Prevention is the best way to protect the citizens of New York from fire. Our ongoing efforts to raise citizen awareness of fire safety issues and reduce the number of fires ignited by children will go a long way toward saving lives. Statistics indicate that lighters tend to be the preferred ignition source for youth who set fires in New York. Toylike lighters can lead to dangerous behavior.”

In 2002, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) estimated 13,900 structure fires in the U.S. were caused by children playing with fire. These resulted in 210 civilian deaths, 1,250 civilian injuries, and $339 million in direct damage. Children under five make up 70 percent of all fatalities caused by fires set by children. The most common area, where children set a fire at home, is the bedroom. Bedding, mattresses, and clothing are the most likely materials to ignite.

To kick off Arson Awarenesss Week, OFPC along withe the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs hosted a conference this weekend at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls. The conference brought together local government officials as well as fire prevention educators and specialists to discuss trends in fire prevention education, including efforts to increase awareness about the danger of toylike lighters.

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