Lakeville Fire Discusses Arson Awareness

ARSON AWARENESS WEEK FOCUSES ON JUVENILE FIRE-SETTING

Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of May 6-12 Arson Awareness Week in Minnesota. Nearly 1,200 juvenile-set fires occurred in Minnesota from 2007 through 2011—and those, according to State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl, were the ones in which evidence was undeniable. Many more such fires remain “undetermined” in origin.

“Small children instinctively run from danger and older ones often lie to protect themselves,” Rosendahl says. “Our investigators encounter this issue frequently, but cases are not publicized because the fire-setters are minors. As a result, few parents know that there are ways to prevent problems and that there is help available for troubled kids.”

The Minnesota Juvenile Fire-setter Helpline is 800-500-8897, where incoming calls are answered by an automated system and then reviewed by a deputy state fire marshal who forwards the case to an appropriate source of help.

Parents should teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy; keep matches and lighters out of reach, in high, ideally locked cabinets; and set a good example by safely using matches, lighters and fire. The most important thing a parent or caregiver can do is to always supervise young children.

By the Numbers

From April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012 the responded to 25 calls for service; 7 medicals, 1 motor vehicle accident cleanup, 1 grill fire on deck, 1 chimney fire, 1 storage trailer fire, 1
mutual aid to New Market Fire for a structure fire, 1 gas leak, 1 electrical wiring problem, 9 good intents, and 2 false alarms.