Insurers Raising $1 Million for Michigan Arson Unit

Michigan insurers say they’re raising $1 million to fund a new anti-arson program in Wayne County, which faces an increase in fires-for-profit during the economic downturn.

County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says the state’s most populous county isn’t doing a good job prosecuting arsonists because of a shortage of resources.

Worthy says a lack of staff means arsonists now stand a good chance of escaping prosecution.

The Michigan Arson Prevention Committee announced Tuesday it’s raising money to hire two investigators and a prosecutor to handle for-profit arson cases in Wayne County. The $1 million would cover two years, starting in January.

The group also is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to arson arrests or convictions.