Editorial: New push to list CA arsonists in registry
Ventura County Star, Calif.
http://www.venturacountystar.com
April 12, 2009


As explosive as the natural wildfire danger is across the
West from
lightning, spontaneous combustion, etc., the danger is
magnified by human
activities, such as campfires and machine sparks.

Tragically, many catastrophic wildfires are also started by
arsonists. With
the potential for loss of life, damage to property and the
millions it costs
fighting these blazes, it's inconceivable someone would
intentionally set a
fire.

But, it happens. State fire officials estimate that, each
year, one out of
10 wildfires in California is of suspicious origin. With
this in mind and a
new fire season fast approaching, a California congressman
is working to
establish a nationwide arsonists registry.

Rep. Adam Schiff, a Burbank Democrat, is making another push
to pass the
Managing Arson Through Criminal History, or MATCH Act, this
session. The
bill cleared the House last year, but died in the Senate.

Similar to the Megan's Law sex offenders' registry, MATCH
would require
convicted arsonists to report to officials where they live,
work and attend
school. The registry, available only to fire investigators,
would also
contain fingerprints, photographs of arsonists and their
methods for
starting fires.

The length of time an arsonist would remain on the registry
varies. For one
conviction, it would be five years; 10 years for two; and
life for three or
more.

While California has had such a registry since 1984, it is
limited to the
names of those convicted of arson in state courts. Having a
nationwide
database to draw from would aid in arson investigations.

If lawmakers OK a nationwide arsonists registry, and The
Star urges them to
do so, it must be properly funded to avoid the problems that
plagued Megan's
Law early on. Lack of resources led to outdated and
incomplete information
and little follow-up by law enforcement.

With all the devastating wildfires that have threatened
lives and dwellings,
not to mention the enormous firefighting costs, an arsonists
registry will
serve as a useful tool and, in some cases, as a deterrent.

After all, a convicted arsonist, who has an itch to set
another hillside on
fire, might think twice about doing so if he knows it will
guarantee a
prompt visit from arson investigators.