Southern Region
Stop Woods Arson
Woods arson (also called forest arson or wildland arson) is a common term for deliberately burning forests, grasslands, or brush without the owner’s permission. It is a leading cause of wildfire in the southern region. Woods arson is felony under many state laws.
Who Loses When Woods Arson Occurs?
Everybody loses when wildland arsonists strike:
- Consumers pay more for the thousands of products made from forest materials,
- taxpayers foot the bill for suppressing the fires,
- jobs are often eliminated when the resource is reduced, and
- families living in wooded areas often lose their homes and possessions.
Preventing Woods Arson
Many states have established arson hotlines, so citizens can call to report woods arson.
Please give as much information as you have available, to include:
- Location and time of the fire
- Name of person responsible, if known
- Description of persons observed at the scene
- Description of any vehicles observed at the scene
- Any other pertinent information
| States and National Forests | % Wildfires caused by arson | Arson Hotlines |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama: Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee National Forests | ||
| Arkansas: Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests | ||
| Florida: Apalachicola, Ocala, and Osceola National Forests | 1-800-342-5869 | |
| Georgia: Oconee and Chattahoochee National Forests | ||
| Kentucky: Daniel Boone National Forest and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area | 1-800-27-ARSON | |
| Louisiana: Kisatchie National Forest | ||
| Mississippi: Bienville, Delta, Desoto, Holly Springs, Homochitto and Tombigee National Forests | ||
| North Carolina: Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah and Uwharrie National Forests | ||
| Oklahoma: Ouachita & Ozark - St. Francis National Forests | (800)522-8666 | |
| Puerto Rico: Caribbean National Forest | ||
| South Carolina: Francis Marion-Sumter National Forests | ||
| Tennessee: Cherokee National Forest | ||
| Texas: Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, Sam Houston, Caddo/LBJ National Forests and Grasslands in Texas | 877/434-7345 (877-4FIRE45) | |
| Virginia: George Washington - Jefferson National Forests |
The National Forest fire managers cooperate with state forest agencies in preventing, suppressing and investigating woods arson. Click on the map below for links to state forestry information about woods arson.
