TOWN OF PROVINCETOWN

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2008, 5:00 PM

JUDGE WELSH HEARING ROOM

Chairman MaryJo Avellar opened the workshop at 5:00 PM.

Noting the following Board of Selectmen attendees: Mary Jo Avellar, Michelle Couture, Lynn Davies, and Austin Knight.

Police Chief Warren Tobias, Fire Chief Michael Trovato, State Fire Marshal Steve Coan, State Police Detective LT Frank Hart, Public Education Manager Jennifer Mieth,

Other attendees: Town Manager Sharon Lynn,

Recorder: David Gardner, Assistant Town Manager

Presentation by the State Fire Marshal: Attached Below.

Arson and Fire Prevention: Neighborhood Strategies

Stephen D. Coan State Fire Marshal

Public Comments and Questions:

Will Coons. Are we looking for someone who lives in town? Anyone and everyone is a suspect.

MJA: What is the punishment? 20 year felony for lost of a home without loss of life.

Kerry Adams: The arsonist in the community concerns insurance companies doing business in Provincetown. The community should be vigilant toward vacant buildings especially because that has been the pattern, but serial arsonist can become emboldened and escalate their patterns over time.

Elaine Anderson: What would prevent someone from coming forward with information? Some community members are fearful to get involved. Monetary rewards do help in bringing the public forward.

Lynne Davies: What should we do when we leave our home? Leave lights on, motion activated lights, security alarms, security cameras, etc… Change lifestyle patterns: cancel mail and newspapers when away, change which lights you leave on, etc…

The town has received great assistance and support for all levels of agencies, including the County Sheriff’s Office, the State Fire Marshall’s Office, The State Police Departent, and the ATF.

Department of Fire Services

P.O. Box 1025

Stow, MA 01775

(978) 567-3100

Panel

•Town Manager Sharon Lynn

•Police Chief Warren Tobias

•Fire Chief Michael Trovato

•State Fire Marshal Steve Coan

•MSP Det. Lt. Frank Hart, OSFM Fire Investigation Unit

•Jennifer Mieth, Public Ed., OSFM

Overview of Provincetown Fires

•17 unsolved fires or attempts to burn

•October 2007-present

•Being investigated as possibly related

Task Force Formalized

•Provincetown Fire Department

•Provincetown Police Department

•Barnstable Co. Sheriffs

•State Police assigned to Office of the State Fire Marshal – FIU South Team

•Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

Increased Reward

•Arson Watch Reward Program provides rewards of up to $5,000

•ATF has doubled the reward Now up to $10,000

•Reward for information that helps to solve this string of fires.

Community is the Eyes and Ears

•Investigators cannot solve these fires alone

•Break will come from information from the community

•Community is the eyes and ears

•Increased vigilance and response to unusual noises or behavior will solve these fires

Look and Listen for What?

•Dogs barking

•Car noises at unusual times

•People in backyards that shouldn’t be

Useful Numbers

•9-1-1

•Arson Hotline 1-800-682-9229

•Provincetown Police – 508-487-1213

•Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation Unit – 978-567-3310

Crime Watch Strategies
for Arson

JUDGE WELSH HEARING ROOM

Department of Fire Services

P.O. Box 1025

Stow, MA 01775

(978) 567-3100

Panel

•Town Manager Sharon Lynn

•Police Chief Warren Tobias

•Fire Chief Michael Trovato

•State Fire Marshal Steve Coan

•MSP Det. Lt. Frank Hart, OSFM Fire Investigation Unit

•Jennifer Mieth, Public Ed., OSFM

Overview of Provincetown Fires

•17 unsolved fires or attempts to burn

•October 2007-present

•Being investigated as possibly related

Task Force Formalized

•Provincetown Fire Department

•Provincetown Police Department

•Barnstable Co. Sheriffs

•State Police assigned to Office of the State Fire Marshal – FIU South Team

•Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

Increased Reward

•Arson Watch Reward Program provides rewards of up to $5,000

•ATF has doubled the reward Now up to $10,000

•Reward for information that helps to solve this string of fires.

Community is the Eyes and Ears

•Investigators cannot solve these fires alone

•Break will come from information from the community

•Community is the eyes and ears

•Increased vigilance and response to unusual noises or behavior will solve these fires

Look and Listen for What?

•Dogs barking

•Car noises at unusual times

•People in backyards that shouldn’t be

Useful Numbers

•9-1-1

•Arson Hotline 1-800-682-9229

•Provincetown Police – 508-487-1213

•Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation Unit – 978-567-3310

Crime Watch Strategies for Arson

•Police Department Liaison

Neighborhood Clean-ups

•Arsonists often use available combustibles

•Cleaning up trash, debris in streets, alleys removes fire hazards and sends a message neighborhood cared for

•ID need for additional lighting

•Ensure vacant buildings properly secured

– Groups can do themselves or ID issues for landlord or municipal authorities

Window Watches

•Commit to be aware of what happens on your street

•Look out your window a few times each day

•Keep an eye on specific vacant buildings

•Look out when you hear noises at night

•Report suspicious activity

Phone Trees

•Fast method of communication

•Neighbors exchange phone numbers

•Plan who will call who when a crime in progress

•Gets people on the street or looking out windows

•Remember to always call 9-1-1 first

Practice Fire Prevention

•Working smoke alarms

•Working carbon monoxide alarms

•Home fire drills – a practiced plan

•Learn about cooking, smoking, heating and electrical fire safety basics

•Keep outdoor areas clear of trash and debris

Questions?

Crime Watch Strategies
for Arson