Travis County Commissioners Court
May 5, 2009,
Item 5
5.
approve proclamation recognizing may 3 through may 9, 2009 as "arson awareness week" in Travis County.
>> > I read the proclamation?
>> yes, sir.
>> it reads: whereas arson for profit is a criminal method of obtaining money from a fire loss policy, the losses for arson are staggering.
whereas arson for profit or economic arson is when businesses or individuals set fires to reduce financial loss, recoup initial investments or dispose of depreciated assets usually for a payout from insurance companies.
whereas the insurance information institute reports that arsonists destroy nearly $900 million in insured property and kill 295 civilians nationwide in 2007, whereas in 2005 the national fire protection association nfpa, estimated there were 323,900 intentional fires which resulted in 490 civilian fire deaths, three firefighters on duty deaths, 1500 civilian fire injuries, 7600 firefighter on duty injuries and $1.102 billion in direct property damage, and whereas arson for profit affects everyone from the loss of life, increased insurance premiums and related expenses for the fire and law enforcement professionals and can only be curtailed by a collaborative effort and cooperation of fire investigators, law enforcement, insurance professionals and the legal system.
now therefore be it resolved that we the Travis County Commissioners court on behalf of its citizens and residents do hereby recognize the week of may 3rd through 9th, 2009, as arson awareness week in Travis County.
>> second.
>> and pay special tribute to all fire and law enforcement investigative agencies for their dedicated and tireless service and I do move approval.
>> second.
>> seconded by Commissioner Huber.
>> good morning.
>> thank you, I will turn it over to our interim fire marshal.
>> good morning, judge, Commissioners, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Commissioners court for drawing attention to arson awareness week, in particular this year's theme is drawing attention to arson for profit.
many people think of arson as a victimless crime.
they believe because someone has paid an insurance premium then they are just due whatever they can collect from the insurance company.
in reality it has a tremendous impact on the public as you have pointed out.
each year it results in losses of approximately $1 billion in the united states.
arson for profit affects everyone through civilian and firefighter injuries, loss of life, increased
>> [indiscernible] and related expenses for fire and law enforcement professionals.
arson can only be curtailed by a collaborative effort, in cooperation of the citizens, fire investigators, law enforcement, insurance professionals and citizens.
I would like to thank you once again for drawing attention to the problem and supporting efforts of Travis County law enforcement in attempting to curtail arson.
>> thank you.
all in favor?
that passes by unanimous vote.
>> thank you.
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Last Modified:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 5:45 PM