Defining Fire as a Weapon (FaaW): Clarity, Implications, and Opportunity for the Homeland Security Enterprise

Abstract Fire as a weapon (FaaW) is discussed within the first responder community but still vaguely defined. This ambiguity, coupled with absent reporting mechanisms, leads to an inability to estimate the size of the problem correctly. This research offers a comprehensive definition of FaaW and argues for its inclusion as a high-threat response. It evaluates fire as a weapon as a homeland security issue requiring additional attention and leadership by offering new data and analysis that demonstrates the severity of the problem, especially compared to other high-threat events such as active shooter incidents. It clarifies which incident types should receive the most focus and argues for strategic shifts in how we currently perceive this threat. It also elucidates the potential to apply established national standards and tactics for active shooter response to fire as a weapon mitigation strategy.