Editor’s Note: Chief Adam K. Thiel points out the valuable, and measurable, results of comprehensive risk-reduction actions.
This story is quite timely as we recognize Arson Awareness Week from May 6-12, with a special emphasis on preventing youth fire-setting.
The statistics from Aberdeen provide compelling evidence that public fire education can help meaningfully reduce the incidence of structural fires.
We often focus our prevention efforts on school children for several reasons; among them is reducing the potential for youth fire-setting. It’s nice to have another positive example to support the continued need for these programs.
It’s also important to note, that public education is just one facet of a comprehensive community risk-reduction program. In Aberdeen, they’re also working to identify and mitigate the hazards in vacant buildings — a topic we’re also very familiar with here in the United States.
Stay safe!