With a state-wide drought still ongoing, arson is very real threat
There are two main types of arson: willful and reckless. Drought conditions tend to set the stage for both. During a drought, reckless acts such as flicking a cigarette into high grass are more likely to result in a fire. Firebugs may get excited by the fact that the whole world’s a tinderbox and decide to deliberately set more blazes. Plus, attempts at insurance scams involving arson may also go up, as individuals see the drought as a likely excuse for an “accidental” fire.
Whether the fire was set deliberately or recklessly, arson is a very costly phenomenon, both for the owners of destroyed property and for individuals facing arson charges.
Cost of Arson in Our Forests
According to data from CAL FIRE, arson within the forest and wilderness lands that they protect causes significant damage each year, especially when drought conditions are in effect. Over a 5-year average, arson within CAL FIRE jurisdiction caused:
- 323 fires
- 16,848 burned acres
- $4,877,454 in damages
Of course, wildfire is a natural part of the forest and many plant species are adapted to recover quickly from it. However, arson is not a natural act, and can be very damaging to the beauty of lands set aside for public enjoyment as well as the safety of private homes within CAL FIRE jurisdiction.
Overall Arson Damage
According to data from the California Department of Justice’s Crime in California Report, many more arson fires occur in cities and towns across the state than in wilderness areas. Over a 5-year average, arson caused a total of:
- 8,490 fires
- 1,513 burned residential buildings
- 2,650 burned vehicles
- $135,182,200 in damages
Personal Cost of an Arson Conviction
Criminal penalties for arson vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case, including your criminal background, the amount of damage that was done, and whether or not anyone was injured or killed in the fire. If convicted of arson you may face years in prison or at the very least a black mark on your permanent record that can affect your ability to get a good job. Don’t give up without a fight! Expert arson defense attorney Dan E. Chambers can help save you from the high personal costs of an arson conviction. Dan will explore every possible avenue for your defense, recruiting experts whenever necessary to analyze the forensic evidence in the case and cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims that the fire was deliberate or reckless. He may be able to get the case against you dropped entirely, get the charges reduced, or even get you acquitted at trial.
