The week of May 1st-7th, 2000 is National Arson Awareness Week.

Arson is a serious crime that threatens the safety of all Ohioans and can be reduced with active citizen participation. Ohio's cities, communities, and neighborhoods are destroyed each year by arson resulting in tax base erosion and employment loss.

From 1993 to 1998, Ohioans experienced 70,814 arson and suspected arson fires resulting in 91 civilian deaths, 803 civilian injuries and more than $264 million in property loss.

Arson remains one of the nation's most devastating crimes in terms of financial and personal loss. In a typical year in the United States, more than 500 people are killed and over $2 billion dollars worth of property is destroyed due to arson.

The arson threat can be combated through a concerted effort of Ohio's citizens, the Ohio fire service, law enforcement officials, and the insurance industry.

"Removing the threat of arson from homes and businesses is one of our top priorities," said State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage. "This week should be used to heighten awareness about the damaging effects of arson."

To combat this serious crime, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal, and the Ohio fire service are working together through task forces and in many other ways. The State Fire Marshal's office trains hundreds of firefighters each year in arson investigation techniques. Additionally, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office provide support on a daily basis to Ohio fire departments in determining the cause and origin of fires in their communities.

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Ohio’s State Fire Marshal’s office is the oldest continuous office of its kind in the United States, founded in 1900. 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. To learn more about the State Fire Marshal’s office or the Ohio Department of Commerce, log onto our website at www.com.state.oh.us.

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