Quick Notes is an ICAC communication that will give you quick, timely links to recent news items impacting arson prevention, investigations, litigation and training.  We trust that Quick Notes will be an easy way for you to remain current in news concerning arson control.

Coatesville arsons bring up questions of firefighter standards

For years, experts have researched ways to prevent firefighter arsonists, but today uniform screening and training for firefighters still does not exist in Pennsylvania, let alone nationwide.

Arson cases increase during hard economic times

This year's Arson Awareness Week will focus on the increase in fires related to people who try to recoup their investments through fraudulent insurance claims, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.  The week, themed "Arson for Profit," will be May 3-9.

Arson lawsuit heads to trial

An arson at the house of an Erie political activist is soon to be the subject of a trial -- but in civil court rather than criminal court.

Owner of burned strip mall in Stockton is charged with arson

The owner of three businesses and the strip mall that housed them is charged for the fire that destroyed them early Wednesday. The owner told reporters that he thought the arson was a hate crime directed at him because he's gay. Now they think Thornton, 38, wanted the building burned so he could collect insurance proceeds.

To read the charges and probable cause statement against the owner, click here.

Challenges of the Rural and Volunteer Fire Service

There are fundamental differences in the nature of the rural fire problem compared to the U.S. fire problem as a whole. To support such volunteers, the USFA has developed a dedicated Web page on Rural and Volunteer Fire Department Resources.

Re-Mapping Forensic Science's Future

A critical report from the National Academy of Sciences calls for national standards in forensics science, validation of new technology and crime lab ethics.  The report suggests that "experiments should be designed to put arson investigations on a more solid scientific footing."

Special Focus: New Media and Arson

Youtube Post Leads To Seven Arrests In Waterville Arson

A videotape has led to the arrests of seven people in connection with an arson at a vacant building in Waterville last month. A videotape of the incident was posted on YouTube (it has since been removed from the site).

Social Networking Sites Help Combat Crime

MySpace and Facebook help link friends. But lately, the two social networking sites have helped link cops to criminals. In Pittsburgh, a Facebook page showing an out-of-control Super Bowl celebration led to arson charges against two men.

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