Arson has plagued Washington communities for decades, destroying lives, damaging homes and businesses and needlessly putting firefighters’ lives at risk. 

While arson affects everyone, there is one group that is more vulnerable than any other – children – and NW Insurance Council and Arson Alarm Foundation (AAF) are doing something about it.

As part of a new teen awareness pilot, the council and AAF have taken their arson-prevention message into Yakima school hallways.  Dramatic posters on display in Wilson Middle School and West Valley High School encourage teens to report tips to authorities.

“More than half of all arson fires involve children under 18,” said Darrin Sanger, NW Insurance Council communications director.  “We really felt it was time to deliver our message to teens at their level, in a way they understand and in a manner that encourages them to act.  We believe this poster does that."

Featuring a teary-eyed girl in front of her home that is engulfed by flames,
the poster reminds teens that arson destroys lives, and they can do something about it.  The poster also highlights Arson Alarm’s $10,000 Award Fund and the Arson Hotline, information Yakima fire officials hope will trigger more tips.

“We made an arrest two weeks ago from a different high school,” said Ron Melcher, Yakima deputy fire marshal.  “I encourage the distribution of these posters to all junior high and high schools.  We’re on the right track.  Planting the seed in young peoples’ minds that arson has multiple consequences is worthwhile.”

NW Insurance Council and AAF will formally launch the project at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year in additional Yakima schools, selected by Yakima Fire Department.  AAF officials are currently working with other school districts to get posters displayed in schools around the state.

"These posters help enlighten students that arson can destroy hopes, dreams and lives,” said Wes Bye (State Farm), Arson Alarm president.  “They can play a role in possibly saving someone’s life and help protecting their communities.”