This is Arson Awareness Week across the state of Illinois and the State Fire Marshalls Office is attempting to raise awareness about the cost of arson fires and the toll it takes on communities. Fire officials say that everyone needs to do their part of help prevent arson cases. Tips include locking the doors and windows of unoccupied buildings and boarding up abandoned structures. Also all flammable liquids should be locked up. People should also be watchful and report any suspicious activity around those types of buildings. People can call the statewide arson hotline at 1-800-252-2947 with tips. In 2021, the ISFMO responded to more than 1000 reported cases of arson across the state.