Posted: | April 14, 2015 02:53 PM |
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From: | Senator Randy Vulakovich |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Arson Awareness Week (May 3-9, 2015) |
I will soon be introducing a resolution declaring May 3-9, 2015 as National Arson Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, from 2010-2012, an estimated 17,400 intentionally set fires in residential buildings were reported nationally each year, resulting in 275 civilian deaths, 800 civilian injuries, and $513 million in property loss. For this same time period, an estimated 9,000 intentionally set fires occurred in nonresidential buildings each year resulting in $282 million in property loss. This year’s theme, “Accelerant Detection Canines — Sniffing Out Arson” focuses on the role dogs play in the detection of arson. An accelerant detection canine’s smell is 100,000 times more acute compared to a human. As such, they are able to detect certain chemicals that are prevalent when arson is committed. Furthermore, it takes an accelerant detection canine on average 30 minutes to cover an entire fire scene - whereas it can take humans a number of days. As such, accelerant detection canines often save time and money in determining whether arson was involved. Please join me in sponsoring this resolution which highlights an overlooked area in firefighting. If you have any questions, please contact Nate Silcox of my staff at 717-787-6538. |
Introduced as SR106