Bridging jurisdictions to make Baltimore a safer place to live, work and play

As a measure to preserve properties and the vitality of our communities, the Baltimore City Fire Department has established a Joint Agency Arson Task Force which include the Baltimore City Fire Department's Office of the Fire Marshal, Baltimore City Police Arson, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods, Housing and Community and Development along with Criminal Justice and Baltimore Crisis Response in addition to Baltimore City School Police and Office of the States Attorney.

In the year 2002, the Baltimore City Fire Department responded to over 2750 structure fires, many of which involved vacant homes in various neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. Such structures are very hazardous to firefighters during fire suppression operations and to economically challenged individuals who seek refuge in these abandoned buildings. Due to an alarming number of fires in several different neighborhoods, the fire department will heighten fire prevention and arson awareness.

It is hoped that the collaborative efforts of these agencies will significantly reduce the number of arson fires through a broad based partnership of public and private sector officials and community members committed to building a strong neighborhood presence in an effort to combat the root causes of fires.

The interagency task force was officially launched on May 6, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at 1813 Wilhelm Street. Chief William J. Goodwin, Jr. Chief of Fire Department and representatives from all participating agencies were in attendance.