Arsonists strike for many reasons including spite and revenge, vandalism, crime concealment, insurance fraud, competition and extortion.    An average of 700 fires are investigated in Charlotte Mecklenburg each year.  While not all are found to be arson, many of the do.

As we review the facts from recent events of Oklahoma City and New York we must be watchful of any fire or fire attempt.

To help assist in the investigation of arson, an Arson Task Force was developed.  It is made up of Fire Investigators, Police Arson Investigators, Special Agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  This group works side-by-side at fire scenes, on follow-up investigations and on cases going to court.  This cooperation has led to arrests and convictions of arsonist in the area.