On behalf of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the Pulaski Fire Marshal’s Office, I am contacting you for your support in observing May 4-10, 2008 “Arson Awareness Week.”

 The Theme for this year’s Arson Awareness Week is “Toylike Lighters: Playing with Fire.”

Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the Nation.  Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys, with visual effects, flashing lights, musical sounds, and toylike designs.

In 2002, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated 13,900 child-playing structure fires were reported in the U.S., with associated losses of 210 civilian deaths, 1,250 civilian injuries, and $339 million in direct damage.

Some local and State governments are taking action by banning the sale of toylike and novelty lighters, and limiting their distribution.

The Town Of Pulaski has had several fires in recent years that were caused by children playing with lighters.  Fortunately we have not had any loss of life, yet.  Please help us by getting the word out on these novelty lighters and hopefully we won’t have anymore fires caused by children playing with lighters.  If anyone has questions about Arson Awareness Week or novelty lighters they can contact me at 540-994-8664 or Timothy Patrick O’Dowd, USFA Liaison at Tim.ODowd@dhs.gov

Respectfully Yours,

C. H. Hutchinson

Fire Marshal