(MIAMI, May 6) – Each year during the first week in May, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) and its partners work together hoping to raise arson awareness in the community. This year’s campaign runs from May 4-10 and focuses on reducing vehicle arson.

• Two-thirds of intentionally set vehicle fires occur under the cloak of darkness (9 p.m. - 6 a.m.). Source: National Fire Protection Association
• Over the last 10 years (2003-2012), there has been an average of 14,737 vehicle arsons reported, accounting for 26.5 percent of total arsons annually. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• From 2008-2010, 14 percent of all fires were vehicle fires. Of these fires, 7% were intentionally set. Source: USFA

"During FY 2012/2013 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue investigated 211 vehicle fires of which 43% were determined to be the result of arson," said Chief Alan Cominsky, MDFR's Fire Marshal. "Arson doesn’t just affect the people and property where the fire originates. Fires that start in one property can spread to neighboring properties. Even if the fire doesn't spread, one serious arson fire can have a significant impact on an entire community."

Arson is sometimes used to mask or conceal another crime, such as murder and also for insurance fraud, a criminal method of obtaining money from the insurance policy. People purchase cars that they can't afford and get behind in the payments. Nowadays, with a combination of the economy and increasing fuel prices, setting the car on fire is seen as a quick and victimless escape.

You can help prevent arson by getting involved with community watch programs, cleaning up trash and overgrown vegetation in your neighborhood, installing exterior and entrance lighting and reporting any abandoned homes, cars or suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If you would like to report any information on an arson incident, please call CrimeStoppers at 305-471-TIPS and for more information on this topic; please contact MDFR's Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.