Auto Fire Reporting Initiative

Boston enacted an auto fire reporting statute. Chicago is in the process of completing the implementation of their own such statute. Boston saw a significant decrease in auto fires of over 60% after enacting their statute. In Boston the owner of a burned auto is required to go to a specific fire department office to pick up a form to be completed during an interview with a fire marshal, they must present insurance, registration and title during this meeting. If there are certain indicators after the interview it is referred to a detective for further investigation. If the fire is determined to not be a set fire by the owner they are provided another form to present to their insurance company for the claim handling process. Essentially the owner of a vehicle involved in an auto fire are required to complete a form, present documents, complete an interview with a fire marshal and if cleared of any involvement are provided a form to submit to their insurance company to process their claim.