Bono Mack, Schiff Call For Swift Passage Of Arson Registry Bill

Press Release

Bono Mack, Schiff Call For Swift Passage Of Arson Registry Bill

Calling attention to the tragic fire caused by arson that resulted in the death of two firefighters, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) today urged Congressional leadership to act swiftly in passing their legislation to help law enforcement and fire officials track convicted arsonists and prevent unnecessary disaster caused by arson. The Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act, H.R. 1759, which Bono Mack reintroduced this year with Schiff, would establish a nationwide registry of convicted arsonists for law enforcement to better prevent repeat offenders.

“We should not delay in giving law enforcement and fire officials this valuable tool to better prevent criminal acts of arson,” said Bono Mack. “I was deeply saddened to learn that the LA fire, which caused such heart-wrenching tragedy and destruction, was the result of arson. We as Californians understand the incalculable damages that can be caused by wildfire, which makes it all the more essential that we do everything possible to prevent unnecessary and senseless disaster at the hand of an arsonist. It is my hope that Congress will act quickly to pass this legislation so that repeat offenders are stopped in their tracks and our communities are better protected from those individuals bent on destruction.”

“Last week, I saw firsthand the terrible danger and catastrophic damage the Station Fire caused to homes in and around the Angeles forest,” Schiff said. “There is no doubt in my mind that the MATCH Act would be a very useful tool, much like Megan's Law, to both identify the perpetrators of arson and also to deter them. The Station fire is only the most recent and most devastating example of the need to take stronger action to combat arson.”

In their letter to House leadership, Bono Mack and Schiff emphasized that arson has caused some of the most devastating fires in California. In 2006, five firefighters lost their lives battling the Esperanza Fire in Southern California, which was caused by arson. This fire affected countless lives and property and destroyed hundreds of square miles of National Forest. This August, the Station Fire, which investigators believe to be caused by arson, has scorched 160,000 acres in Los Angeles County and the Angeles National Forest, taking the lives of two brave firefighters.

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