South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) Fights Fires

National Arson Awareness Week – May 3-9, 2009

Every year in South Carolina, millions of dollars in property is destroyed due to arson. During the first quarter of 2009, SLED's Arson Team received 49 requests for assistance investigation suspicious fires. Of the 25 requests ruled arson, there have been four arrests and a total of $915,000 in property damage.

“These statistics demonstrate the need for continued community support in our efforts to reduce and solve arson crimes. We hope to raise awareness of these costly arson fires during National Arson Awareness Week. There are steps being taken to combat this crime in our state. South Carolina has a statewide program aimed at putting arsonists behind bars - the South Carolina Arson Hotline," says Allison Dean Love, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service. Founded in 1982, the South Carolina Arson Hotline has received thousands of calls resulting in arson fires being solved.

“The South Carolina Arson Hotline is a vital tool in responding to and solving crimes across our state. SLED is proud to partner with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina and the South Carolina Insurance News Service in protecting the citizens and the economy’s interest throughout our great state," said Assistant Director Tim James of SLED.

Hotline rewards are funded by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina Foundation. Jules Anderson, chairman of the IIABSC board said, “Arson is a serious crime in South Carolina and increases the cost of insurance to everyone. The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina are pleased to have been a sponsor of the South Carolina Arson Hotline rewards for over 26 years. The hotline is a valuable resource for law enforcement officials and the citizens of South Carolina. We are pleased with the results of the hotline and look forward to paying more rewards to South Carolinians who use the hotline in the future.”

Many times callers do not wish to receive a reward. Occasionally, depending on the type of fire, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Palmetto Project and other insurance companies have also assisted in the rewards.

Many arson cases around South Carolina remain unsolved. A tip to the South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) could help solve those cases and lead to a reward for the caller. Callers can remain anonymous.


The South Carolina Insurance News Service reports the following facts about the South Carolina Arson Hotline:

Ø The South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) is a statewide, toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, for reporting information about suspicious fires.

Ø More than $100,000 has been offered through the South Carolina Arson Hotline since its inception and more than $25,000 has been rewarded.

Ø Rewards through the South Carolina Arson Hotline have been paid in Aiken County, Charleston, Clinton, Columbia, Dillon County, Gaffney, Greenville County, Hemingway, Jasper County, Lancaster, Lake City, Laurens, Marion, Scranton and Westminster.

Ø The largest reward offered was $22,000 in the case of the Effingham Baptist Church fire. The largest reward paid was $7,000 in the cases of the Springhill AME Church in Dillon and Islamic Center and Masjid of Greenville fire in 1997.

Ø Arson Hotline yard signs, posters, calling cards and bumper stickers are available FREE from the South Carolina Insurance News Service.

Ø Arson fires increase the cost of insurance to all consumers. According to the FBI, the average dollar loss for arson in the United States is $17,289.

Ø The Insurance Information Institute reports arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property and killed 295 civilians nationwide in 2007.

Ø Vandalism is the leading cause of arson. An Insurance Research Council study suggests only 14 percent of arson suspects are motivated by a desire to defraud an insurance company but other studies report higher rates.

To report a tip to the South Carolina Arson Hotline, call 1-800-92-ARSON.