JUVENILE FIRESETTER INTERVENTION

In a typical year, in the U.S., 300 people are killed and $190 million in property is destroyed in fires set by children. Children themselves are usually the victims of these fires, accounting for 85 of every 100 lives lost. The number of fires set by children is growing. It is a problem that needs the attention of parents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders, in cooperation with fire and law enforcement officers.

Why Children Set Fires

Most experts agree that the best way to understand firesetting behavior is to look at where and why children set fires. They believe that there are two basic types of children who start fires.

Curious Firesetters

Curious firesetters usually are 2- to 7- year-olds whose fascination with fire leads them to “play” with it to find out how it feels, how it burns, and what it does.

They do not understand fire’s destructive potential. Although curiosity is a normal part of children’s growth and development, parents and other adults who discover that a child is playing with fire should take it very seriously.

Problem Firesetters

Problem firesetters also can be very young, but generally are 5 to 17 years old. In contrast to the curious firesetter, however, these youngsters light fires because of emotional or mental disturbances ranging from mild to severe. A crisis in the child’s life, such as moving to a new area, a divorce, or death could trigger firesetting behavior. Or, a more serious disturbance could be the cause. Chronic behaviors such as a poor relationship with other children, cruelty to animals, and extreme mood changes are a few of the traits revealed by data on juvenile firesetters.

What You Can Do? Parents... Teach Your Child About Fire

• Fire is a tool we use to heat our homes or cook our food.
• It is not a toy.
• Fire is dangerous -- it can kill.
• All fires -- even small ones -- can spread quickly.
• Even adults must follow special safety rules for fire.

Control Your Child’s Access to Fire

• Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children -- even a 2-year old can operate a cigarette lighter.
• Never allow anyone to use lighters or matches in an unsafe manner in your home.
• Never leave stoves or lighted candles unattended.
• Teach children to bring to your attention any matches or lighters they find.

Information from the US Fire Administration

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

U.S. Fire Administration

Fire Safety Education Kits - The fire education kits are for trained people and can be signed out at any Division of Fire Safety Office.

Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialists

Contact the Division of Fire Safety Main Office at 802.479.7561 for additional resources and information.