Georgia Reports Drop in Arson Fires in First Half of 2019

The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, part of the Georgia Department of Insurance, said of the 215 fires investigators responded to in the first half of 2019, 30% (65) of those fires have been ruled arson. These numbers are down from 2018 where 217 investigations and 80 arson rulings had occurred midway through the year.

“I am pleased to announce that arson rulings by the State Fire Marshal’s Office are down almost 20% through the first half of this year compared to the first half of last year,” said State Fire Marshal Jeff Hogan. “Fire fatalities are also down throughout Georgia.”

At the midway point of 2018, 49 residential fire deaths had occurred. All 49 of those deaths were in homes with no working smoke alarms, GADOI said in a statement. In the first half of 2019, 39 residential fire deaths occurred, 34 of which took place in homes with no working smoke alarms.

“Over the past 5 years, 91% of residential fire fatalities have occurred in homes with no working smoke alarms. It is essential that you have these alarms in your home and that you test them monthly. It is also very important that you practice an escape plan with your family in case an emergency were to occur,” said Safety Fire Commissioner and Insurance Commissioner John F. King.

The responsibilities of the Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office fall into five main categories: building inspection, manufactured housing inspection, engineering, hazardous materials inspections, and licensing.

Source: Georgia Department of Insurance

Topics Georgia