When most people think of the dangerous work of firefighters, the images in their mind may be of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center or on a blazing house fire in a suburban neighborhood. Firefighters and those who are close to them know that the majority of their work comes with smaller fires. These small blazes can be brush fires or stove fires.
Vehicle fires are increasing and many of those are deliberately set. In some cases, the fire is set to cover a more serious crime like murder or sometimes it is the work of juveniles experimenting with crime. These fires often do not make headlines and are often are pushed to the side, particularly if the department is busy with larger investigations.
Vehicle arsons are among the most challenging for investigators to solve. All vehicles need gas and oil to operate and both are very combustible. Cars have difficult wiring systems than can also serve a fuel source for a fire. Evaluating the wiring may require investigators to call a mechanic for help in understanding the system. Other factors that complicate investigations are defective parts and damage.
Unfortunately, fire investigators get their first look at a vehicle after it has burned. Important evidence is destroyed unless firefighters arrive at the scene in time to preserve evidence before the vehicle is reduced to ashes. Small vehicles burn quickly, often making evidence non-existent.
Many fire departments will not use their often scarce resources to investigate vehicle arsons. Even though they may seem insignificant, these crimes should be investigated because if an arsonist strikes once, he or she most likely will strike again. And if the arsonist is seeking attention, he or she may continue to burn cars until they receive the attention. Eventually, they may escalate this violence to larger structures such as homes, where lives are endangered.
Many states offer assist to fire departments that do not have the manpower or resources to investigate fires. In Georgia, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is often called to rural areas to investigate fires. The office will also offer rewards for information leading to a suspect in the arsons.
Article provided by Kim Berly