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Ingenuity aids with stopping arsonists Even though Southern Oregon is one of the best areas in the nation when it comes to dousing arsonists, authorities continue to be cautious in inventive ways. In 1998, the national average for arrests and convictions in arson fires was 2 percent. Southern Oregon�s average was an "outstanding" 70 percent, said Dennis Turco, fire prevention specialist at the Oregon Department of Forestry. "However, that is not to say we don't need to worry about arson," said Turco. On a 10-year average, 1 percent of fires in southwestern Oregon are caused by arson, Turco said. However, those arson fires are responsible for 35 to 40 percent of acreage lost to flames. Turco said ODF has two strategies to prevent arson fires that are working well. Retired Oregon State Police troopers often go back on the job for Arson Patrol. They patrol areas frequented by arsonists or work with communities to look for signs of an arsonist in the area. Then there is a camera distribution program conducted by both ODF and Oregon State Police. Disposable cameras are passed out to residents, delivery personnel and utility workers in areas recently victimized by arson fires. The residents and workers are asked to take photos if they see anything suspicious. Turco said he tried the camera program after two arson fires last summer in the Johnson Creek area on Greensprings Highway and in Sams Valley. Although no one�s been caught yet, he said, there haven�t been any more arson fires. "Everyone seems to be in favor" of the program, said Turco. "Naturally, any time we can deter an arsonist or arrest and convict an arsonist it puts everyone at ease." Those wishing more information about arson fires and prevention strategies may attend a meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday at the ODF office, 5286 Table Rock Road, Central Point. Speaking will be Senior Trooper Wayne Fricke of the Arson Patrol Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA