The U.S. Fire Administration focuses on a unique topic every year for Arson Awareness Week, and this year the agency is turning its attention to construction site fires, one of which claimed the lives of six Kansas City firefighters in 1988.
The USFA stresses that awareness is always key and that people in various roles surrounding a construction project can prevent an arson fire. There are several steps that can be taken by not only firefighters, but contractors and members of the community as well.
First responders/Inspectors
- If there has been negative press about a project, remind workers to be vigilant on site.
- Make unannounced inspections to assess the project, activities and the site.
- Perform site planning and pre-planning throughout the building process.
- Invite surrounding fire departments/companies to assist in the pre-fire plan.
- Take photos of anything you believe is a potential hazard and inform the site manager.
Contractors
- Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the site when not in use.
- Request additional patrols or drive-bys from local law enforcement.
- Remove trash and debris from the site.
- Try not to store excess materials on the site.
- Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working.
Community members
- Become familiar with your neighborhood and report odd or suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
Construction site fires dominated the news in California last fall after a man was arrested for setting several construction sites ablaze around the East Bay in recent years because he was reportedly unhappy with the politics surrounding the projects.
The Easy Bay case is certainly not an isolated one:
- A massive arson fire destroyed an apartment complex project in Los Angeles in 2014.
- A pipeline construction project was destroyed by an arsonist February in Virginia.
- A Delaware senior living facility was under construction when it was leveled by arson last November.
- A fire in Law Vegas in 2003 that destroyed an apartment complex site was deemed arson.
You can learn more and access valuable resources concerning Arson Awareness Week from the USFA here.
