[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            HELP HEIGHTEN AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF ARSON

  (Mr. WELDON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation 
designating the first week of May as Arson Awareness Week.
  Arson is a serious crime causing damage to property and taking lives. 
Arson is responsible for approximately 25 percent of all fires in the 
United States, and is a leading cause of fire deaths in the United 
States, accounting for over 700 deaths annually in this country.
  Members from California are uniquely aware of the devastation that 
arson can cause. In October and November of 1993, there were 22 fire 
storms in southern California, 13 of which were a result of arson. 97 
people were injured and $320 million in damage was caused as result of 
these 13 fires.
  In addition, there is a strong need to improve the reporting of arson 
crimes and to punish arsonists. The National Fire Protection 
Association [NFPA] estimates that of all the suspicious and incendiary 
fires that occur, only one-third are confirmed as arson offenses. 
Beyond reporting difficulties, arson is difficult to prove in a 
courtroom. The NFPA estimates only 2 percent of arson fires lead to 
convictions.
  Designating the week of May 1, 1994, as Arson Awareness Week will 
help to bring arson to the top of the national agenda. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in this effort by cosponsoring this legislation.

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