How arson remains a serious problem

Although it is probably not high on the list of crimes that make the nightly news, compared to the latest celebrity hijinks, arson remains a serious problem in the United States.

Arson fires range from the severity of those reported in this story, to major blazes where arson-for-profit is suspected.

As the nation's economic woes continue, particularly surrounding the residential and commercial real estate markets, many fire departments are concerned that arson fires in their communities will start trending upward, if they haven't already done so.

Unfortunately, arson is difficult to identify, prove, and sustain in a court of law.

Fire is also not always viewed by the public with the same concern as other crimes, despite its damaging effects on lives and property.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) maintains a dedicated arson website with a variety of resources and reports: www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/arson/.