Arson Awareness Week Focuses on Youth - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Arson Awareness Week Focuses on Youth

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It is Arson Awareness Week and the state fire marshal's office says they are focusing on youths this year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 56,000 fires are started by children playing with fire, resulting in more than a hundred deaths each year.

They also say juveniles account for 40 percent of arson arrests with 46 percent under the age of 16.

On Wednesday, Bradley Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Palmer offered his best advice to those who witness suspicious activity.

"The biggest thing that you can do to protect yourself against arson is if you see something out of the ordinary in your community to notify law enforcement immediately or your local 911, police department, sheriff's department. They can check up on that activity," said Palmer.

State fire experts also said the majority of fires set in homes are more likely to be caused by younger children, whereas older children tend to set fires outdoors.