UNDATED (WJRT) -
(03/05/13) - It's a trend that many Mid-Michigan communities want to put a stop to.
In 2011, there were more than 10,000 arson or suspicious fires in the state. One step is being taken to deter people from intentionally setting a fire.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills to increase the penalties.
Saginaw firefighters joined Rep. Stacy Erwin Oakes as Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law stricter penalties for people caught setting fires.
"Hopefully our arson rates will go down now that the bill is signed," said Fire Marshal Ralph Martin.
Saginaw's Deputy Fire Marshal Ralph Martin said this bill sends a message that arson is a serious crime. "Firefighter's lives are at stake, there's property damage, we just need more people involved as far as arsons are concerns."
Rep. Oakes, a Democrat, reached across party lines to pass this bill. "Ultimately this is bigger than Republican or Democratic, we have firefighters from all partisanships and fight fires. When public safety is at stake, it shows we can come together and get things done."
With tougher penalties and more arson awareness, firefighters are confident this bill will make a difference in their communities. "Insurance fraud is a motive for our arson fires, I think this bill will make a person think twice about making arson part of their life," Martin added.
"If your house burns down, it brings down the value of the neighborhood and we want to make sure that doesn't happen," added Rep. Oakes said.
