Gov. Cuomo Declares May 6-12 “Arson Awareness Week”

Albany, NY (WIBX) - In an effort to reduce the amount of arson in New York, Governor Cuomo has deemed next week "Arson Awareness Week."

This year's theme is "Prevent Youth Firesetting," aimed at keeping children from starting fires and to curb destructive behavior.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires set by children killed nearly 100 people, 1,000 burn injuries and hundreds of millions of dollars in property losses.

Other events this year include a Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Seminar and Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist class a the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The seminar is scheduled for May 21-26.

Arson Awareness Week is presented by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Safe Kids USA and National Volunteer Fire Council, among others.

For more information regarding Fire Prevention, click here.