West Virginia Fire Safety Resource
e-Guide
e-Guide Index: - Fire Safety section:
Risk Factors > WV at Risk > Causes > Cooking > Smoking > Electrical > Heating > Arson
Arson
Arson is legally defined as the willful and malicious burning of, or attempt to burn, any structure or other property, often with criminal or fraudulent intent.
Read the West Virginia Fire Code for more information.
Arson is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths in the country.
At Risk for Arson
- Arsonists are often young people under the age of 20
- Juveniles set fires out of curiosity or from lack of impulse control
- Arson many times occurs in deserted or abandoned buildings and in unoccupied homes and businesses
- More than one-third of all wild land or forest fires in West Virginia are caused by arson
Arson Hotline
West Virginia 24-hour, toll-free Arson Hotline is 800-233-FIRE (3473).
The Arson Hotline is a way to help keep your neighborhood safe from arson fires.
Citizens should call the hotline to report information that might help investigators solve crimes involving fires that have already happened, or to prevent fires that might happen as a result of arson.
If your information results in the arrest and conviction of an arsonist, you might qualify for a reward of up to $2,500.
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