The Toronto Arson Task Force is a sub-committee of the Toronto Fire Chief's Office. It serves as an educational and research committee that makes recommendations to Police and Fire Commands. At the present time it is NOT an investigative group.

• Arson Task Force seek tips

Mission statement

• To provide to our community and emergency service personnel the education, information and effective direction in the determination of origin and cause for fires.
• To increase the knowledge and expertise of Police Officers and Fire Fighters in the determination of origin and cause of fires, investigative techniques and prosecution of arsonists.

Arson
Arson is a deliberately set fire, with one out of six fires arson related.

Arson fires are typically set by:

• Criminals covering up other crimes.
• People seeking revenge.
• Profit motivated individuals attempting to defraud insurance companies.
• Some emotionally disturbed people of all ages.
  
• Vandals looking for excitement.

Results of arson:

• Every year hundreds of people die in arson related fires.
• Every year millions of dollars are lost to property damage in arson related fires.
• Every year thousands of people are put out of work because of arson related fires.
  

Preventing arson - general tips:

• Use crime prevention techniques to secure your property and prevent unauthorized entry
  • Make sure all doors, windows, skylights are secured, paying attention to any entrances in alleys.
  • When the building is going to be left vacant for a period of time, make it look like it is occupied by utilizing timers on interior lights.
  • Trim or remove shrubbery and other landscaping that block the view of the building from the street.
  • Be mindful of strangers and report suspicious actions around homes, vacant buildings, schools, businesses, and other structures.
  • Have neighbours watch over your property while your away
• Get rid of rubbish (It’s the arsonists kindling and “cover” as it leaves the impression that the fire was spontaneous in nature).
• Be active in local Neighbourhood and Business Watch programs.
• Install and maintain a U.L.C. approved smoke alarm on each level of your residence.
• Develop and practice a fire safety plan with your family.

Additional help:

• Contact your local fire department.
• Crime Stoppers:
  • in Toronto 416-222-8477 (TIPS)
  • toll free 1-800-222-TIPS