SAFETY

JUVENILE FIRE SETTERS

Children set fires for many reasons.  If a child plays with fire that doesn't mean they are a problem child.  When children have a repeated and intentional fire starting behaviors fascination becomes a problem.

Through education, and in some cases counseling, children and their families can be given the skills to change this dangerous behavior.

Studies show that fires started by children playing with matches and lighters are the leading cause of fire deaths for pre-school children and account for more than 1/3 of their fires deaths.

WHAT IS A FIRESETTER?

Natural curiosity or serious problem.! Firesetting, usually by males, includes a wide range of behaviors: from the preschooler's curiosity to malicious teens who set fires.

FIRE INTEREST: AGE UNDER 7 YEARS OLD

Child who asks questions about fire, incorporates fire related objects such as fire engines, into play, or asks permission to participate in supervised activities such as lighting a grill.

FIREPLAY: AGES 5 - 10 YEARS OLD

Child unintentionally starts fire, usually while unsupervised, makes serious attempts to extinguish fire or goes for help. Destructive fires, generally started in closets or under beds, surprises and frightens the child.

CRISIS FIRESETTING:  AGE 7-18 YEARS OLD

Child intentionally seeks fire starting materials and ignites papers, leaves, personal property or specific locations. Behavior may be related to: stress, death, move, divorce, anger, need for attention, malicious mischief or excitement.

ARSON 

Malicious and willful burning of any structure, forest land or property. An older youth of age may be charged with arson.

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED

With an innate curiosity to learn, children are especially attracted to fire and must be taught to understand its ability to hurt and destroy.
Firesetting is usually an expression of a child's feelings, a cry for help. Children in homes where domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, or chaotic parenting styles occur are at a great risk. Possible warning signs:

Playing with matches or lighters .

Trying to burn items.

Carrying fire starting materials in pockets or having them in their room.

Talking about fire.

Asking how particular materials will burn.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you suspect a child has set or played with fire, seek help. The fire service is the leading community agency involved in early intervention programs that:

Help identify children at-risk by looking at how and why the fire happened.

Recommended prevention programs for first time fire setters who were motivated by accident, curiosity, or experimentation.

Evaluate, educate, counsel, and recommend services that stop firesetting behavior and identify any related problems.

HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM?

Whether the result of a curious child playing with matches or the malicious act of a troubled delinquent, juvenile firesetting is a serious problem that requires a special response from the community.

In 1995 juvenile firesetters accounted for a majority 52% of arson arrests, compared to 49% in 1994 and approximately 40% over the last 15 years.

55% of school arsons, are committed by juveniles.

Fire is the number one cause of death in the home for children ages 5 to 14.

Roughly one of every seven fatal structural fires is started by a child under age 15.

Direct property damage from fire amounted to $296 million.

As few as 10% of the fires started by children are reported because a family member will discover and put out the fire.

FIRESETTING IS PREVENTABLE

AGE 5 AND UNDER: 

Meet your child's curiosity early on. Fireproof your home. Teach children not to touch matches or lighters.
Teach that adults, not children, use fire.
Keep matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.
Praise children for reporting any matches or lighter they may find.
Never leave children alone near open flame.
Set a good example: children may imitate adults who light cigarettes, candles, etc.

AGE 5 AND OLDER:

If an older child is curious about fire, show the proper and safe way to use matches or lighters.
Explain that fire is a tool.
Agree that matches and fire can be used only when supervised and in a safe manner.
Discuss what to do if a fire is started. Punishment, and "scare tactics" will not always satisfy a child's curiosity.
Teach to respect fire just as with any other tool.
Always teach and practice home fire safety.