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Joe Pierce, Deputy ChiefFire & Arson Investigation Division

May 5, 2008

FIRE & ARSON INVESTIGATION2008 UPDATE

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Arson UpdateArson Update

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What is Arson?What is Arson?

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State LawState Law

• Arson - an offense if a person starts a fire or causes an explosion with intent to destroy or damage any:– Vegetation, fence, or structure on open-

space land– Building– Habitation– Vehicle

• Arson - an offense if a person starts a fire or causes an explosion with intent to destroy or damage any:– Vegetation, fence, or structure on open-

space land– Building– Habitation– Vehicle

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– And, knowing that it is:• Within city limits• Insured• Subject to a mortgage• On property of another• Within property of another, or• Reckless and endangers an individual or

property of another• Criminal Mischief - an offense if a person

damages or destroys property of another. This includes fire offenses not listed in the arson statute.

– And, knowing that it is:• Within city limits• Insured• Subject to a mortgage• On property of another• Within property of another, or• Reckless and endangers an individual or

property of another• Criminal Mischief - an offense if a person

damages or destroys property of another. This includes fire offenses not listed in the arson statute.

State Law(Continued)

State Law(Continued)

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Arson CrimeCriminal Punishments

Arson CrimeCriminal Punishments

• Arson– Second Degree Felony - TDC 2 to 20

years and up to $10,000 fine• Arson with Bodily Injury, or • Arson of a Habitation or Place of Worship

– First Degree Felony - TDC 5 to 99 years or life and up to $10,000 fine

• Criminal Mischief– Depends on value of property damaged

or destroyed

• Arson– Second Degree Felony - TDC 2 to 20

years and up to $10,000 fine• Arson with Bodily Injury, or • Arson of a Habitation or Place of Worship

– First Degree Felony - TDC 5 to 99 years or life and up to $10,000 fine

• Criminal Mischief– Depends on value of property damaged

or destroyed

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Reasons Behind Arson

• For profit• Revenge and prejudice• Vanity• Juvenile fire setters and vandalism• Crime concealment• Psychological compulsion• Mass civil disturbance (Riot)• Terrorism• Gang initiations• Thrill seekers and dares

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What caused the fire?Is it arson?

What caused the fire?Is it arson?

Arson Video#1

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Major Arson Scene Investigation

Major Arson Scene Investigation

Arson Video#2

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Cause DeterminationCause Determination

• Witnesses• Insurance• Financial history• Previous fire history• Criminal background• Case preparation• Presenting the case

• Witnesses• Insurance• Financial history• Previous fire history• Criminal background• Case preparation• Presenting the case

Arson Video#3

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Arson InvestigatorsArson Investigators

• Specialized training• Information sharing• Teamwork• Case preparation• Testifying in court

• Specialized training• Information sharing• Teamwork• Case preparation• Testifying in court

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2006-2007 Fire Stats

• Total Fire Loss . . . . . . . . $35,482,248• Incendiary Fire Loss. . . . $11,385,061• Incendiary Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 880• Average Loss Per Fire . . . . . $17,583

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Fire Loss in DallasFY 2006-2007

Fire Loss in DallasFY 2006-2007

Church & Club &

Restaurant5%

Storage 4%

Residential62%Vehicle

15%

Store & Office13%

Other1% Total - $35,482,248

Arson - $11,385,061

Accidental - $24,097,187

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Fire Causes in DallasFY 2006-2007

Fire Causes in DallasFY 2006-2007

Arson43%

Electrical15%

Cooking10%

Careless Smoking

7%

Candle1%

Other24%

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2,018 Investigations2,018 Investigations

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Other Structures

7%

Residential56%

Vehicles36%

Other 1%

Incendiary FiresFY 2006-2007

Incendiary FiresFY 2006-2007

880 Investigations

$11,385,061 Fire Loss

$4,137,896 Vehicle Fires

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Number of Incendiary Fires per Fiscal Year

1,077

2005/06

8809531,235# ofIncidents

2006/072004/052003/04Fiscal Year

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2004-2007 Arson Stats

1,235

9531,077

880

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Arson Incidents

210 208

242

232

190

200

210

220

230

240

250

2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Arson Arrests

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Arson Awareness WeekMay 4 – 10, 2008

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Features

• Audio or visual effects• Flashing lights,

“Lighted Electrical Diodes”

• Musical notes, voices, songs

• Logos, decals, artwork• Cartoon characters,

animals, cars, food or beverages, toy guns, watches

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Novelty Lighters

• What is a novelty lighter?

• In general, novelty lighters have features that make them attractive to children.

• A novelty lighter is defined as any lighter that has entertaining features or resembles an item commonly used by or found appealing by children 5 years of age or younger.

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Child Proof• Make no mistake. We all know nothing

is child proof. How about child resistant?

• Lighters manufactured or imported after July 1994 are required to be child resistant.

• This came about as the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated that children younger than the age of five playing with cigarette lighters ignited 5,900 residential fires that resulted in 170 deaths and 1,150 injuries from the period of 1986-1989.

• There is no quality control.• Many of these lighters do not meet the

requirements set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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Arson Awareness/Prevention

• Develop Arson Awareness Program with Emphasis on Arson Prevention

• Strong Enforcement of State Arson Statutes

• Reward Incentive Program – “Crime Stoppers”

• Educate the Community/Schools

• Publicize Case Filings

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Arson Awareness/Prevention

• Established partnership with North Texas Crime Commission – Crime Stoppers

• Applied for Grant with Homeland Security – Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

• Will seek additional grants

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Vehicle Arson FiresVehicle Arson Fires

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2006-07 Vehicle Fires

• Incendiary – 437 • Accidental – 43• Total – 480

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Vehicle Arson Prevention

• Clean garage – Park car in garage• Park your car in a well-lit area• Use a secure parking lot for extended periods• Close all windows• Remove the key from the ignition• Always lock doors, trunk, tailgate• Use antitheft devices• Report abandoned cars to police

To report arson contact:Fire and Arson Investigation Division

214-670-4312

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Oak Cliff Serial Arsonists

• 28 vehicle fires between February 27, 2008 and April 6, 2008

• Received assistance from DPD – Covert, Uniformed & Technology

• Four juveniles arrested on April 6, 2008• Charges filed on five juveniles

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Call Crime Stoppers to “Burn an Arsonist for Cold Cash”

Crime Stoppers has increased the reward up to $5,000.00 for

Information that leads to the arrest and indictment of persons setting

the vehicles on fire (Vehicle Arson) in the South Oak Cliff area. Call 1-877-373-TIPS (8477)

to leave tips.

Crime Stoppers

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Questions?Questions?