By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The number of arson fires in Buffalo has declined as the number of arrests rises. The Mayor and fire officials met with reporters in the Lovejoy District late Thursday afternoon to explain why.
Standing in front of a vacant lot along East Lovejoy Mayor Brown, the City fire commissioner and members of the Fire Marshall's office announced a record number of arson arrests. The vacant lot was once home to Mr. Lovejoy's Bar and Grill. But the building was demolished after it fell victim to an arson-for-hire last January. Four people have been convicted and will be sentenced on Monday.
Mayor Brown says so far this year 126 people have been arrested. That's a 75% increase in arson arrests since 2005. Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo says their efforts have reduced the number of arsons. This year there were 313 arsons. That compares to more than 400 last year.
Fire and city leaders say new technology, surveillance camera's and arson dogs are making a difference. Lieutenant Sal Colangelo brought along a lab named Brad who is trained to detect arson materials. Fire and city leaders say new technology, surveillance camera's and arson dogs are making a difference. Lieutenant Sal Colangelo brought along a lab named Brad who is trained to detect arson materials.
Click the audio player above to hear Eileen Buckley's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.