Fire Summit Addresses Arson

June 16, 2010

Arson is the leading cause of fires in Edmonton, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the Edmonton Police Service are looking for ways to prevent it at Fire Summit III.

“Arson is a crime that poses serious risks to communities and firefighters all over Canada,” said Fire Chief Ken Block. “That’s why preventing arson is the focus of Fire Summit III. We want to partner with community leaders and other stakeholders to raise awareness about arson and find creative solutions to this problem.

“As a community we need to realize that arson can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or socio-economic background,” said Police Chief Mike Boyd. “Once citizens know their vulnerabilities, we can all work together to lessen the opportunity for this crime.” Police Chief Mike Boyd attended the summit and helped set the stage for a day of presentations and group discussions about arson.

Arson, defined as the crime of maliciously and intentionally, or recklessly, starting a fire or causing an explosion, causes one-third of all fires in Edmonton annually. Last year, 281 of the 981 fires that took place in Edmonton were deliberately set and caused an estimated $49.4 million in property damage.

While the average number of arsons in Edmonton is lower than the national average, it is a serious issue that residents can help prevent by following these safety tips:

  • Dial 911 if you see someone starting a suspicious fire.
  • Report suspicious or unusual activity to the police.
  • Keep your property tidy and free of materials that could be used to start fires i.e. piles of branches or leaves, garbage, furniture, old vehicles, etc.
  • Participate in community clean up programs.
  • Report derelict or abandoned buildings by calling 311.
  • Educate your children about fire safety and fire prevention.
  • Get to know your neighbours: social connectedness is an important part of a safe community.

Fire Rescue Services holds fire summits every two years as part of its ongoing efforts to engage the public in fire safety and prevention programs. This year, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is co-hosting the event with Edmonton Police Service. More than 80 people are participating in the summit, including representatives from Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, other Alberta fire departments, the Province of Alberta, the RCMP, Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools, and Edmonton community leagues.

For more information:

Tim Wilson

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

Title Public Information Officer
Telephone

780-496-3600
780-886-3335
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