Arson is not a victimless crime. Arson fires kill over 500 civilians each year and cause two billion dollars in property damage. How would you picture an arsonist? A dangerous-looking, shifty-eyed criminal . . . someone with an axe to grind? Maybe someone with little regard for human life, or someone with a pattern of violent behavior? Would you ever imagine a kid? According to the FBI, more than 50% of those arrested for setting arson fires are juveniles. In fact, juvenile arson is the fastest growing teen and pre-teen crime in the country.

Your help is needed to reduce the risk of arson in our community. If you suspect that someone you know has set a fire or experiments with fire, please contact the Forsyth County Fire Department. Fire experimentation is not "just a natural phase" that every young person goes through. It can be as deadly as leaving a loaded gun on a counter top and intervention and education could make the difference.

If you would like more information on how you can help prevent arson or about youth education programs, please contact the Forsyth County Fire Department's Office at 336-703-2550.

To report an arsonist you can do any of the following:

N.C. International Association of Arson Investigators Website