Governor Bob Taft has proclaimed May 2-8 as "Arson Awareness Week" in the state of Ohio.

"Arson is a serious crime that threatens the safety of all Ohioans and can be reduced with active citizen participation," said Gary C. Suhadolnik, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "Ohio's cities, communities and neighborhoods are affected by arson which results in injury and death each year."

In 1997, 11,500 arson fires occurred in Ohio resulting in 19 deaths, 116 injuries and nearly $50 million in property loss. Arson is one of the leading causes of structural property damage each year.

"The arson threat can be reduced through a concerted effort of Ohio's citizens, the Ohio fire service, law enforcement officials, and the insurance industry," said Charles McGrath, Chief of the State Fire Marshal's Arson Bureau. "This week will heighten the awareness of arson and educate Ohioans on this crime, giving them the opportunity to get more involved in their communities."

Removing the threat of arson from homes and businesses is a top priority of the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal. By training hundreds of firefighters each year in arson investigation techniques, the State Fire Marshal's office is taking serious action to combat this crime. The State Fire Marshal's office also provides the support Ohio fire departments need in order to serve their communities.

"By apprehending and helping to prosecute those guilty of the crime of arson in Ohio, thousands of fire and law enforcement men and women, both volunteer and career, across the state are dedicating themselves to the fight against arson," said Director Suhadolnik.

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The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Fire Marshal's Office trains firefighters, enforces the Ohio Fire Code, investigates the cause and origins of fires and explosions, provides fire prevention programs, and performs other services.