Fire & Explosive Investigations
Kenneth Korenblatt
Battalion Chief
Kenneth.Korenblatt@montgomerycountymd.gov

Office 240-777-2255
Arson Tip Line 240-777-2263
Crime Solvers Tip Line 240-773-5038

  Arson Awareness:

• Arson is the nation's fastest growing crime. It is also the most neglected, easiest to commit, and the deadliest.
  
  
• Arson is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths and accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fires in the United States.
  
  
• Arson is the leading cause of dollar loss from fire, exceeding $2 billion annually.
  
  
• One fifth of all property loss is due to arson.
  
  
• Arson is a violent crime that claimed 700 lives last year.
  
  
• Some 500,000 arson fires occur each year.
  
  
• Only 15 percent of arson cases are closed by arrest.
  
  
• Motives for arson include crime concealment, profit, revenge, and vandalism
  
  
• Vehicle Theft/Arson

What to do to prevent Arson:
In The Community-

• Organize locally. Become familiar with your neighborhood surroundings. Set up fire watch teams which will report all suspicious activities to local authorities.
• Publicize your efforts by providing the media with information as well as other groups sharing similar problems.
• Protect your home or business with strong locks on all windows and doors, and install effective night lighting.
• Eliminate readily available fuel for fire such as wood piles, paper, leaves, trash, combustibles.
• Utilize all pertinent resources which are available in your area.

What to do to prevent Arson:
At Your Place of Business-

• Provide perimeter security to include fences, gates with locks, security lighting and secure all doors and windows
• Ensure automatic fire protection has been inspected and maintained on an annual basis. Sprinkler control valves are locked open or have tamper switches.
• Housekeeping on the exterior of the building includes all trash, combustibles are stored away from the building. All dumpsters are secured and located away from the building.
• Interior housekeeping includes trash and combustibles are removed at the end of the day. Sprinkler heads and control valves are clear of obstructions.
• Report any signs of tampering with security devices, doors, windows, false fire/burglar alarms. Ensure all visitors are escorted in non-public areas.

Church Arson Awareness:

The Division with the assistance of Operational personnel conducted over 700 church awareness surveys during 1996. This effort was initiated to prevent/deter arsonist from burning churches in our community.

• Have your congregation check your church daily.
• Report all suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities in or near your church.
• Remember specific details about suspicious persons and vehicles. A good description may help police and fire officials to identify them
• Alter activities at your church. Use it on different days and times.
• Ask everyone living near your church to keep an eye on the building.
• Request an arson risk assessment from your local fire marshal. They can make specific recommendations to reduce the risk of arson at your church.
• Install perimeter flood lights outside of the building
• Install fire and burglar alarm systems
• All shrubs should be kept low to the ground
• Remove all potential fire hazards from the church grounds, such as trash, lawn clippings and debris.

Remember, Everyone Pays For Arson

Operation Extinguish:

Operation Extinguish is a model program developed by the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in 1984 to provide intervention and educational services for juvenile fire setters and their families. The program combines psychological counseling and fire safety education in a effort to eliminate this behavior.

Statistics prove that nearly 65% of all arson fires are the result of juveniles. Operation Extinguish was developed as a positive re-enforcement to help juveniles eliminate this behavior. At the time of development, no program existed to help young fire setters. This program now gives judges and juvenile services an alternative when considering a penalty for juveniles.

Juvenile fire setters age 7-18 are charged and required to report to the Montgomery County Police Youth Division with their parents for screening. After interviewing the child and the parents, the screening officer decides whether or not to refer the child to Operation Extinguish. The program for the child and his or her parents consists of two major elements which are Psychological evaluations of both the child and family, and six hours of fire safety education. Referrals to Operation Extinguish may be made by the parent or guardian also.

The program has had tremendous success since it was originated, with hundreds of juveniles successfully completing. Operation Extinguish has redirected the lives of the children, and prevented measurable loss to life and property. The program received an award in 1985 from the National Association of Counties for being one of the outstanding juvenile justice programs in the United States.

If you would like more information on Operation Extinguish, write or call:

Bill Delaney, Public Education Specialist
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service
101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor
Rockville, Maryland 20850
240-777-2448

Fireworks:
Questions you may have about fireworks.

• What fireworks are legal?
  In Montgomery County, all fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers.
  
  Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes, and party poppers are the only exception to this law.
  
  
• Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?
  No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.
  
  
• Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?
  No. You can’t have a private display; however, you can have a public display with proper permits and insurance.
  
  
• Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by public carrier?
  No. It doesn't matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland. Fireworks are still illegal.

Leave Fireworks To The Professionals
Protect The Ones You Love

Montgomery County Fire Safety Code:
Section 22-70: Fireworks.

1. Montgomery County recognizes fireworks as the definition printed above. Any possession or discharging of fireworks is in direct violation of this code and is subject to misdemeanor charges and fines not to exceed $500.
   
2. It is illegal to manufacture fireworks within Montgomery County.
   
3. Possession or use. Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, to offer for sell, expose for sale, sell or use, burn or explode any fireworks; Provided that the possession, sale or discharge of fireworks are permitted when such activities are conducted under a permit issued by the State Fire Marshal.

5. Storage. No person shall keep or store fireworks in the county for a period in excess of eight hours unless such person shall have a valid permit from the State Fire Marshall for a display within the county and unless such storage site has been approved by the director.

1. A permit in accordance with the provisions of the Code for Model Rocketry, NFPA #41-L, shall be obtained before launching any model rocket.
   
2. The provisions of the Code for Model Rocketry, NFPA #41-L, shall apply to all model rocketry activities.
   
3. Any model rocketry or model rocket engine that does not comply with the requirements for construction in the standard adopted in subsection (b) of this section shall be considered a dangerous rocket. Any person who shall construct, manufacture, possess, give away, sell or launch such dangerous rockets shall be subject to the provision of the fireworks section of this chapter.
   

Maryland Definition of Fireworks:
Article 38A-15. Definitions.

1. The term “fireworks” as used in this subtitle means firecrackers, squibs, rockets, Roman candles, torpedoes, bombs, grenades, fire balloons, signal lights, and any combustible, explosive or implosive composition etc..
   
2. Class “B” fireworks means special fireworks, designed primarily to produce visible or audio effects by combustion or explosion.
   
3. Class “C” fireworks means common fireworks, designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion. Some small devices designed to produce an audible effect are included, but only when containing less than two grains of pyrotechnic composition.
   

Article 38A-16. Permits to discharge or sell.

1. Discharge. It is unlawful for any person to discharge fireworks without a permit issued pursuant to this subtitle, or to possess fireworks, either with the intention of discharging or permitting the discharge thereof in violation of this subtitle, or for the purpose of disposal or sale to persons for use or discharge without a permit, where a permit is required by this subtitle.
   
2. Sales. It is unlawful for any person to sell fireworks to any person without a permit issued pursuant of this subtitle.

Article 38A-17. Penalty for violations; seizure and removal of fireworks.

1. Any person possessing or discharging fireworks in violation of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished for each offense by a fine of not more than $500. Any person selling fireworks in violation of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished for each offense by a fine of not more than $1000.
   

NOTE:

Definition of explosives was changed to include bombs and destructive devices designed to operate chemically, mechanically, or explosive action. In addition, matches when not used in their original configuration, are considered explosive materials.

Under the explosive law, the State Fire Marshal has the right to confiscate any motor vehicle, or other vehicle, vessel or aircraft used in the concealment, conveying, or transporting of any explosive during the course of any violation of the explosive laws. Confiscated items can be used by the agency or sold and the monies reverted back to the agency.

Anyone who aids or abets in the above violations and found guilty is subject to the penalties of Conspiracy - Article 27, Section 38.

Bomb and Explosive Awareness:
Safety Tips

1) How to Identify and Handle Suspicious Packages and Letters

2) How to Recognize a Pipe Bomb and Prevent Injury

1) How to Identify and Handle Suspicious Packages & Letters

The likelihood of receiving a bomb in the mail is remote. However, a small number of explosive devices have been mailed over the years, resulting in death, injury and the destruction of property. Here are some tips that may help to prevent a tragedy.

How to Prevent a Mail Bomb Disaster:

First, consider whether you or your organization could be a possible target. Some motives for mail bombs include revenge, extortion, love triangles, terrorism and business disputes.

Keep in mind that a bomb can be enclosed in either a parcel or an envelope, and its outward appearance is limited only by the imagination of the sender. However, mail bombs have some unique characteristics which may assist you in identifying a suspect mailing. To apply these factors, it is important to know the type of mail your organization normally receives. Do not hesitate to suspect a piece of mail or package that is out of the ordinary.

What to Do if You are Suspicious of a Mailing and Are Unable to Verify the Contents with the Addressee or Sender:

• Do not open the article.
• Isolate the mailing and evacuate the immediate area.
• Do not put in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet.
• If possible, open windows in the immediate area to help vent potential explosive gases.
• If you have any reason to believe the letter or parcel is suspicious, do not take a chance or worry about possible embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent. Instead, call 9-1-1 to receive professional assistance.
  

How to Spot a Potential Letter Bomb:

For more information, contact the
Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigations at 240-777-2255.

In case of emergency, Dial 9-1-1.

Return To Bomb & Explosive Awareness Safety Tips

Montgomery County has already experienced the repercussions of pipe bombs. Four fatalities involving young adults have occurred, as well as hundreds of injuries.

How to prevent a pipe bomb disaster:

It is very important to be aware of the activities in your community. If you notice any unusual behavior where you live, do not hesitate to report your suspicions. If your neighborhood does not already participate in a Neighborhood Watch Program, you may want to initiate one.

Pay close attention to your family's activities. Monitor the behavior of your children for any unusual experimentation with chemicals and explosives. Know their friends and their after-school activities. Restrict and monitor your children's Internet usage, especially when they are showing an unusual amount of interest in this area. Be aware of unapproved purchases of explosive and chemical items on credit cards.

Most importantly, educate yourself and your family on the components of improvised explosive devices.

If you are suspicious of a potential pipe bomb or its manufacture, you should immediately do the following:

• Do not touch the bomb.
  
• If possible, isolate the bomb and evacuate the immediate area.
  
• Do not put the bomb in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer of filing cabinet.
  
• If possible, open windows in the immediate area to help vent any explosive gases.
  
• If you have any reason to believe this is a pipe bomb, do not take a chance or worry about possible embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately for professional assistance.

How to spot a potential pipe bomb:

Prevention and education are the keys to averting crimes involving explosive devices. Learn to recognize the components of these devices, as well as the warning signs of a potential perpetrator. The most important goal is to prevent needless injury as a result of these improvised explosive devices. Be sure to notify the appropriate authorities.

What are the dangers associated with pipe bombs?

Improvised explosive devices are very unstable! They are extremely sensitive to shock, friction, impact and heat, and may detonate without warning. Even the smallest devices can cause serious injury or death.

Who is most likely to build a pipe bomb?

This crime is most prevalent among young males between the ages of 12 and 18. Generally, these teenagers excel in academic activities, like to experiment with chemicals, and/or collect literature on bombs and explosives. They also frequent the Internet.

How serious a crime is making a pipe bomb?

The possession and manufacture of any improvised explosive device, including pipe bombs, is a felony. This crime is punishable by a 20 year to life imprisonment and a fine that can reach up to $20,000.

This crime is a very serious offense. The repercussions include extensive property damage, serious injury, and death.