Arson killed more than 800 people in 2012 and was the largest single cause of fire damage to property.

Of all the fire damage to schools, arson or other suspicious fires cause almost 75 percent. Many of these fires are started by people under the age of 18.

The key to stopping “young fire-setters” is to find them and help them early. Anyone who knows of a person setting fires should report the activity to the fire or Police department.

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department urges everyone to be especially careful and alert during this period of dry weather.

— Sallie Ross-Filgo, SLTFD