After a string of suspected arson attacks, here’s how you can protect yourself
Following 15 fires in central and northern Tacoma over the past week that have prompted investigators to look into suspected arson, the Tacoma Fire Department is urging people to protect themselves and their property against arson attacks.
The department sent out a tweet on Wednesday, with tips to reduce the risk of arson in your neighborhood. The tweet came hours after 12 fires expected of arson were extinguished late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. An additional three fires that occurred Wednesday night and into Thursday morning are also being investigated for arson.
The list includes some of the more common answers to combating crime, such as calling 9-1-1, but also offers some lesser-thought-of solutions.
Clean around your house. The Tacoma FD Fire Investigations department asks for people to store all flammable liquids including paints, gasoline and solvents into storage locations such as a locked metal cabinet.
Trim or remove shrubbery that may block the view of your house from the street.
Remove unused and unneeded paper, trash, cleaning supplies, and other materials that could be used as fuel for a fire.
Install lights that cover all sides of your house. A 72-year-old North End resident, who asked for her name not to be included over fears for her safety, said she deterred some suspicious behavior around her driveway by installing motion detector lights.
Keep doors and windows locked, including in garages and cars. The Fire Investigations department also asks for individuals who own abandoned buildings to board them up.
Make sure your smoke alarms are in proper working condition.
Call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity. This includes any suspicious activity around houses, garages, alleyways, railways or any other buildings.
About 50% of all arson attacks are started by youths, according to the Fire Investigations department. Keeping matches and lighters out of reach of children is an easy step to take to help avoid playing with fire, according to the department.
If you suspect your child is playing with fire, contact the Fire Stoppers Program at (253) 591-5740 for tips and advice.
If you believe you have witnessed an arson attack, you can call the arson tip hotline at 800-552-7766 (800-52-ARSON) or the Fire Investigations Unit at (253) 591-5740.
This story was originally published January 28, 2022 at 12:22 PM.
