Fire as a Weapon Incidents Database
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The Fire as a Weapon Incidents Database (FWID) was developed to address specific considerations that surround integrated response during complex incidents with a fire component. Fire as a Weapon, or Active Violence with Fire, refers to incidents, actual or thwarted, where fire/smoke is directly used to inflict harm on a person or a group of people, as well as incidents where fire/smoke/fire alarm are introduced to create a diversion and complicate response/rescue. Oftentimes other weapons and tactics are used in addition to the fire and/or smoke component. The FWID typically excludes arson, such as setting fire to unoccupied buildings and vehicles, unless the arson is a part of a more complex attack or incident, and accidental fires with no malicious intent. Exceptions may apply if particular incident aspects or circumstances offer valuable lessons from investigative, threat assessment, and operational perspectives. The database explores incident elements such as location and target classification, and offers details about the suspect, fire modality, and additional weapons used.
User Terms Users agree not to publicly post or display the database, timeline, or related materials. Users agree not to sell, license, sub-license or otherwise distribute the database, timeline, or related materials for commercial purposes. All information must be acknowledged and cited appropriately. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use this database?
Anyone. First responders, scholars, analysts, security professionals, and anyone interested in improving public safety.
How do we cite this work?
“The Fire as a Weapon Incidents Database”
Research Team: Eva Jernegan and Daneen Matheson, Arlington County High Threat Response Program
What are the criteria for an incident to be included?
The database includes actual or thwarted incidents, with one or more of the following features:
What type of fire-related incidents are not included in the database?
The FWID commonly excludes:
What types of open sources does the database use?
The database uses open sources such as: news articles, scientific articles, state and federal reports, after-action reports, public court documents and affidavits, manifestos, and social media.
Is the database updated?
Yes. The database is continuously updated and modified as new sources of information become available or new incidents get reported.
Who can use this database?
Anyone. First responders, scholars, analysts, security professionals, and anyone interested in improving public safety.
How do we cite this work?
“The Fire as a Weapon Incidents Database”
Research Team: Eva Jernegan and Daneen Matheson, Arlington County High Threat Response Program
What are the criteria for an incident to be included?
The database includes actual or thwarted incidents, with one or more of the following features:
- Incidents where fire/smoke is directly used to inflict harm on a person or a group of people
- Incidents where fire/smoke/fire alarm are introduced to create a diversion and complicate response/rescue efforts
- Incidents complex in nature, where different modalities of fire are utilized in addition to other weapons or tactics
What type of fire-related incidents are not included in the database?
The FWID commonly excludes:
- Arson, including but not limited to, setting fire to unoccupied buildings or vehicles
- Accidental fires (no malicious intent)
What types of open sources does the database use?
The database uses open sources such as: news articles, scientific articles, state and federal reports, after-action reports, public court documents and affidavits, manifestos, and social media.
Is the database updated?
Yes. The database is continuously updated and modified as new sources of information become available or new incidents get reported.
