Arson Awareness Week

I'm holding two model fire trucks in my hand. Could you tell which one is a toy and which is a lighter? Could a child?

This week (May 4-10) is Arson Awareness Week. According to the United States Fire Adminstration, the theme for this year’s Arson Awareness Week is "Toylike Lighters: Playing with Fire."

Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the Nation. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys, with visual effects, flashing lights, musical sounds, and toylike designs.

In 2002, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated 13,900 child-playing structure fires were reported in the U.S., with associated losses of 210 civilian deaths, 1,250 civilian injuries, and $339 million in direct damage.

Some local and State governments are taking action by banning the sale of toylike and novelty lighters, and limiting their distribution. Get involved! Learn more about Arson Awareness Week and the intiative to ban lighters by visiting USFA's website at:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/arson/arson_awareness.shtm

Source: United States Fire Administration