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Gov. Snyder declares May 5-11 Arson Awareness Week

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder is urging residents to help prevent arson fires in Michigan's communities.

Snyder has proclaimed May 5-11 Arson Awareness Week in Michigan. This year's theme is "Reducing Residential Arson."

The state says that residential arson fires throughout Michigan resulted in more than $10 million in property losses last year. There were 782 residential arson fires in the state in 2012.

State Fire Marshal Rich Miller says in a statement that communities should set up Arson Watch Programs where citizens can team with local fire department and law enforcement officials to report suspicious activity.

He says people may carry out residential arson to conceal another crime, to vandalize the property or for revenge.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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