According to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, arson investigators in the DC Fire and EMS department are clearing arson and incendiary fire suspects at a higher rate than the national average of 16.5 percent. The upward trend has won praise from DC Fire/EMS Chief Ronnie Few, who called the arson investigation team one of the best in the country. Chief Few said the performance of the team is particularly noteworthy during national Arson Awareness Week, May 5-11.

"Our fire investigators now have police powers, and that is making a tremendous difference in our ability to bring speedy consequences to those who commit arson," said Chief Few.

The District has increased the number of investigators who maintain police powers, from five in 2000 to seven currently.

Captain Richard Fleming heads the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Fire and Arson Investigation Unit, which has 14 investigators who determine the cause and damage estimates for fires and explosive incidents.

In 2001, the Department investigated 181 incendiary fires of which 85 were determined to be arson. So far this year, 31 fires have been determined to be arson. Last year, the arson unit made 19 arrests.

Fleming says the difference between the number of incendiary fires and arson fires is reflected by the definition of arson, which is defined as the "malicious burning or attempt to burn the property of another." Incendiary means that material was intentionally ignited to start a fire, but may or may not indicate criminal intent. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether an incendiary fire is the result of arson. "We track both types of fires so that we can determine whether they meet the criteria for arson," said Captain Fleming.

Nationally, urban jurisdictions close 49.4 percent of arson cases involving juveniles. Captain Fleming said there is a need for the public to understand that in most cases children lack the criminal intent when they set fire. "We must determine, through our investigation, whether to bring arson charges or not. In many cases where children are involved, we do not bring those charges unless we can determine criminal intent. This past year, for instance, we determined that at least one death of a child was due to an incendiary fire, but it was not arson."

The DC Arson Task Force consists of agents of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and DC Fire Investigators. Its purpose is to investigate the circumstances of all incendiary and arson fires and to assist with the arrest and prosecution of suspected arsonists and those involved in the production and use of explosive devices, such as Molotov cocktails and pipe bombs. To report suspected arson, call the DC Arson Unit at 673-3370.

Captain Richard Fleming is available for interviews during Arson Prevention Week. Call Lisa Bass or Alan Etter at (202) 673-3331 to schedule an interview.