Detroit, MI - In a citywide effort to fight arson in Detroit, the Detroit Fire Department is taking time to inform residents of the Insurance Institute of Michigan's anti-arson cash reward program during its community presentations.

"Detroiters will not stand by and allow arsonists to get away with such devastating crimes against lives and property," said Chief Gery Victor of the Detroit Fire Department’s Arson Section.  "We are committed to reducing arson incidents by promoting citizen involvement and increasing citizens awareness of the Insurance Institute of Michigan’s anti-arson cash reward program."

The Insurance Institute of Michigan is a joint task force of insurance agencies, law enforcement, fire service, government and other businesses that sponsors the cash awards. In addition to cash awards, the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee sponsors a toll-free hotline to encourage citizens to provide information (anonymous if requested) on arson crimes by calling 1-800-44-ARSON (1-800-442-7766).  Tips are forwarded to the appropriate police or fire agency for follow-up.

The Detroit Fire Department encourages all residents to take an active role in helping prevent arson fires by monitoring any suspicious people and vehicles and reporting all suspicious incidents to the Detroit Fire Department’s Arson Section at 313.596.2940.

Detroit residents can also receive information about juvenile fire setters by calling the Detroit Fire Department’s Community Relations Division at 313.596.2959.