To make a nomination, start by filling out the application found here. Mail this and any supplemental information, including but not limited to police, Mass fire incident and investigation reports, scene photographs, newspaper articles, etc., to the address noted on the front of the application.

Reporting an Arson Fire

Information on impending fires or fires that have already occurred should be reported to one of the following:

  1. State Fire Marshal’s Office
    P.O. Box 1025 – State Road
    Stow, MA 01775
  2. Arson Watch Hotline 1-800-682-9229
  3. Local Fire or Police Department

Reward Selection Committee

A Reward Selection Committee composed of a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, Commissioner of Insurance, MA State Police and two representatives of the property insurance industry will review all nominations and make the final decision in granting rewards.

The decision of the Reward Selection Committee will be binding in all matters relating to rewards. Rewards are not contingent on criminal convictions. The representative of the Attorney General’s office will recuse him/herself on cases which are prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. Even in a case where there is no arrest or indictment, a reward can be provided.

Rules – Individual Rewards

  1. All individual rewards during any given year will be made from a reward fund. The amount of all rewards will be determined by the Reward Selection Committee based upon the extent of assistance the information provides in solving an arson crime or bomb incident, with a maximum of $5,000.
  2. A reward application will be considered when deemed appropriate by the Reward Selection Committee.
  3. Nominations for individual rewards may be made by a fire chief, police chief, State Fire Marshal, or any other person with the exception of prosecutors.
  4. Firefighters (both paid and non-paid), police and other law enforcement officials, prosecutors, insurance company personnel or agents whose connections with the incident were within their normal course of employment or duties, and private fire investigators and members of their families, are not eligible for a reward.
  5. Only information on fires, explosions or materials used in the preparation of an infernal machine and incidents that have occurred or are planned to occur in the state of Massachusetts will be considered as the basis for a reward
  6. The identity of the nominee may be withheld by the nominator or by the Reward Selection Committee if any one or more of the following is true:
      1. If the possibility exists that the nominee might suffer direct physical harm or suffer from acts of retribution by the release and public knowledge of the nominee’s identity.
      2. Or, if the release of the nominee’s identity might jeopardize a beneficial relationship between the nominee and fire service, law enforcement or criminal justice systems.
      3. Or, if the release of the nominee’s identity will tend to have a detrimental effect on the public or private investigation and prosecution of the individuals responsible for any crime involving arson or explosives.
      4. Or, if in the judgment of the nominator or the Reward Selection Committee, the release of the nominee’s identity is not necessary or advisable.

    If it is decided to maintain the anonymity of the nominee, the nominator shall arbitrarily select a seven-digit number and enter that number in the nominee portion of the reward application form for identification purposes.

  7. No promises to pay a nominee will be made and no agency or individual has the authority to promise a nominee he/she will be paid. The program is strictly voluntary and any person who feels a reward will hinder a case in any way can choose not to participate.

Rules – Group Awards

  1. All group awards may be in the form of a plaque and if deemed appropriate by the Reward Selection Committee a monetary award may be considered.
  2. Nominees may include, but need not be limited to, fire departments, police departments, educational institutions, insurance companies or any civic, community, or other organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to arson prevention and/or arson education.
  3. Nominations may be made by any duly elected official of any political subdivision of the state, state legislators, insurance industry representatives, or any other person.