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News & Developments

Late summer is arson season

Report every fire, every time, any size, anywhere to reduce your district's risk of loss from arson-related fires.

Late summer is prime time for bored kids to start fires, according to Scott Neufeld, risk manager for Special Districts Association of Oregon. 

"Any secluded area on school grounds can be a target," Neufeld says. He's investigated fires set under bleachers, in sheds and portable restrooms, in garbage cans, play structures and metal storage buildings. And what starts out small on a ball field or playground can end up doing hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of damage to school buildings.

SDAO teamed up with the state fire marshal's office about four years ago to expand its juvenile fire-setter program to provide information to school districts about the laws, evacuation plans and changes that can reduce risk. 

"Schools are required to notify the fire department whenever a fire occurs on campus, even if it is just in a trash can," Neufeld said. "Fire personnel will know if there is a person at the school with a history of arson and they'll follow up."

Ninety fire districts around the state have received information and videos about arson prevention in schools, and they'll train local school district staff about rules and requirements in fire prevention. 

"Developing good relationships between schools and local fire departments is a goal of the program," Neufeld said.
School districts can contact their local fire district, PACE or Neufeld at sneufeld@sdao.com for more information on arson prevention.