A serial arsonist terrorized the Greenwood neighborhood for months last fall until the early morning hours of November 13, 2009 when he was apprehended by the Seattle Police Department after being spotted by Seattle Fire Department Fire Investigators. North Seattle witnessed firsthand the frightening and destructive effect the crime of arson can have on a community.

While the Seattle Fire and Police Departments focus resources to address the threat throughout the year–through highly skilled investigation, Fire Code enforcement, effective intervention for juvenile firesetting and the region’s most experienced Accelerant Detection Canine –the community itself is a key factor in keeping arson at bay. National Arson Awareness Week, May 2-8, is a good time for Seattle residents and business owners to review how to protect themselves from being a victim of this crime.

 Arson Prevention Tips

• Secure buildings and garage areas by locking doors and windows.
• Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings.
• Clear carport areas of anything that could fuel a fire.
• Locate dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least five feet away from combustible walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled. Place locks on commercial dumpsters.
• Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.
• Install motion-sensor exterior lights.
• If you see any suspicious activity taking place, please call 911 immediately.