Arson by the Numbers

There were an estimated 30,500 intentionally set structure fires in the United States in 2008 that resulted in some $866 million in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Intentionally set structure fires also resulted in 315 civilian deaths in 2008, the most recent year for which USFA data is available.

In 2008, arsons involving structures, including residential, commercial and public buildings, accounted for 43.4 percent of the total number of arson offenses, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arsons involving mobile property accounted for 28.9 percent and other types of property arsons, 27.7 percent.

The average dollar loss per arson offense was $16,015; commercial structures had the highest average dollar loss, at $212,388.

The most often used heat sources for intentionally set fires in residential buildings are open flames or smoking materials (64 percent).

Sources: FBI, USFA