The Kentucky Division of Forestry is using noses and paws to catch arsonists during the fall wildfire season, which starts tomorrow, Oct. 1, and runs through Dec. 15. Bloodhounds trained to investigate arson cases will be available for a second year through a partnership with the Bell County Forestry Camp.
The Division of Forestry will also partner with the Kentucky State Police, using KSP arson investigators to assist in investigation, interviewing and arrest of arsonists. Forestry officials say that vigorous investigation is the key to catching arsonists, but community effort is needed if arson is to be eliminated.
“Everybody loses when wildland arsonists strike: families can lose their homes, firefighters are put at unnecessary risk, taxpayers foot the bill for suppressing the fires and jobs are often eliminated when the forest resource is reduced,” said Leah W. MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “To bring arson to an end, we need the entire community to get involved.”
During the wildfire hazard season outdoor burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.
Kentucky has a hotline so citizens can call to report arson. Information regarding arson or suspected arsonists should be reported by calling the Target Arson Hotline at 800-27-ARSON. Notifiers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information provided leads to the arrest and indictment of an arsonist.
From KyForward: https://www.kyforward.com/our-government/2015/09/30/to-catch-an-arsonist-bloodhounds-will-be-on-the-trail-again-during-fall-wildfire-season/