Fire Prevention & Safety
Arson Watch
The city of Saginaw, Michigan has experienced a significant arson rate for many years. In 2006 the arson rate was approaching 31% with indicators that it would continue to climb. Two very significant nights that were growing in popularity for arsonist were Halloween Eve and Halloween night. These two nights alone were accounting for as much as four to six percent of the total annual arson rate being experienced. Due to the economic conditions in Saginaw many structures have been abandoned and were easy targets for arsonists and juvenile fire setters. Arson Watch was created to address this issue through community awareness and involvement. The ultimate goal being to reduce firefighter injuries resulting from arson related incidents and costly fire losses throughout the community. Arson Watch brought the community, law enforcement agencies, and the Saginaw Fire Department together to reduce the number of fires and mischief occurring on Halloween Eve and Halloween night. Arson Watch has brought to the forefront awareness of the arson problem throughout the city and individuals as well as civic organizations have joined together to patrol the streets and create events at local schools and the DOW Event Center for school age children. The events help keep children off the streets and provide opportunities for learning about fire and it’s disastrous results while being entertained. The initial year of Arson Watch saw approximately 300 citizen volunteers patrolling the streets and working at the various events; citizen involvement in the second year grew to nearly 650. First year involvement of students was approximately 2,500 and grew to an overwhelming 8,000 the second year. Arson Watch has demonstrated how a community can come together and attack a problem to a positive outcome. Arson Watch is becoming a year-round effort and helping make Saginaw a better place to live, work, and play and creating an atmosphere of community cooperation.
Arson Watch Activities 2009 |
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 Fire Safety House |
Arson Watch Activities 2008 |
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 Aerial View of Kick-Off Ceremony |
 Arthur Hill Marching Band & Freddie |
 Inside Dow Event Center |
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