May editorial: Auto
Arson on Rise
According to the United States Fire
Administration, auto arson is on the rise. This information
comes to us at a time when we recognize Arson Awareness Week,
May 4th to May 10th. It may be a sign of a troubled economy,
when car buyers who cannot keep up the payments resort to
setting fire to their vehicles.
The U.S. Fire Administration notes that in 2004 there were
36,000 intentionally set vehicle fires, an increase of 18 per
cent from previous years. These fires resulted in death and $165
million in property damage. While no figures are currently
available, we believe this numbers have increased. Not only are
thieves destroying the evidence of their wrongdoing, but there
are financially strapped people trying to get out of costly auto
leases. According to an article entitled “Torch My Ride: Arson
for Hire,” many SUV owners see arson as an answer to rising gas
prices.
What ever the motivation, firefighters everywhere should be
reminded that a gas given off in motor vehicle fires is
particularly deadly.
Hydrogen cyanide is used by many manufacturers as a sound
deadener in the “A” pillars and roof supports. Here are some
facts regarding hydrogen cyanide. A colorless or pale blue
liquid, it is very volatile, readily producing flammable and
toxic concentrations even at room temperature. The gas has a
distinctive bitter almond odor, but some individuals cannot
detect it, so the smell alone can prove to be an inadequate
warning. Hydrogen cyanide, when inhaled, can cause death within
minutes.
Remember, at a car fire, this gas, coming in the form of medium
color green smoke, can kill you if inhaled. It goes without
saying that firefighters are well advised to keep their SCBA on
during a car fire, from inception to overhaul.
While we are on the subject of arson, another cause of fires has
come to our attention. In many stationery stores, a toy-like
cigarette lighter is offered for sale. Like toy guns, these
devices can be deadly, especially in the hands of youngsters. A
toy such as this, we feel, may encourage children to play with
fire, and often the result is a burning house.
These causes of arson could be easily prevented by appropriate
legislation on the state and federal level.
Let’s face it, firefighting is hazardous enough without these
added dangers.
