|Curiosity about fire is normal, but playing with fire is dangerous. Whether it is the result of a curious child or the intentional setting of a fire by a troubled teen, juvenile firesetting is a serious problem that may escalate. By recognizing the problem early and taking corrective measures the risk of fire setting incidents can be greatly reduced.
WHY DO KIDS SET FIRES?
Most children express a natural and normal curiosity about fire in their early life. Their interest can be expressed in a number of appropriate ways: asking fire related questions, playing with fire related toys such as a fire engine and for older children, participating in adult supervised activities involving fire, such as lighting a BBQ or fireplace. When a child’s interest and experimentation with fire are unsupervised, the potential for disaster exists.
Some children however, set fires deliberately. Reason for this may include: peer pressure, boredom, anger, a cry for help, or a significant crisis such as a divorce or death of a family member. For these children, fire setting can become an outlet for their feeling and require intervention.
- Arson is the leading crime committed by kids and it is the fastest growing crime in the U.S.
- Over 55% of all arrests for arson are kids & ½ of those are 4-9 years old.
- Fire is the leading cause of accidental death in the home for kids 5 & under; many are the victims of fires set by an older sibling.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO PREVENT FIRE SETTING?
Supervise for safety
Provide appropriate and effective supervision for children. Supervision requires frequent visual contact so that children’s activities can be monitored. Supervision also includes previewing what children are watching on TV, DVD, and the internet. Restricting access to some internet sites is recommended.
Remove the temptation
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of kids. Better yet, remove all unnecessary matches and lighters from your home. Most children are only involved with fire because it is available. Remember, child resistant lighters are not childproof, not even for a 2 year old.
Teach children about fire
Teach young children that fire is a tool used to heat our homes and cook our food – it is not a toy! Fire is not magic; it is hot and can cause devastating consequences.
Teach match and lighter safety
Matches and lighters are tools for grown-up NOT toys for children. If children find matchers and lighters, young children (under the age of seven) should TELL & SHOW a grown-up, and children older than seven should GIVE them to a grown-up.
Older children 12 and up should be taught the safe and responsible use of matches and lighters, under direct adult supervision. These children can be provided with an opportunity to light the fireplace, campfire or candles on a birthday cake. Always reward or praise children for demonstrating fire safe behavior.
Set a good example
Children don’t always hear what you say, but they certainly see what you do. Young children learn by exploring, experimenting and mimicking adult behavior. Model fire safe behavior in your home at all times.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MYTHS & REALITIES OF FIRE?
MYTH: It is normal for children to play with fire.
FACT: While curiosity about fire is common, playing with fire and setting fires is not normal and can be deadly.
MYTH: Fire setting is a phase children will outgrow.
FACT: It is NOT a phase. You must deal with it immediately or it will continue and progress.
MYTH: If the fire is small there is no problem.
FACT: All fires start small. However, fires spread quickly and can easily get out of control, endangering lives and property.
MYTH: Children who start fires are pyromaniacs.
FACT: Almost every child has some curiosity about fire. But progression from mere interest in fire to fire setting is a problem. Occasionally fire setting can be a symptom of a more widespread problem.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNOW A CHILD WHO NEEDS HELP?
- Keep all lighting materials out of reach – lock them up!
- Make sure the child is appropriately supervised.
- Install smoke alarms throughout your home, including in the bedrooms.
- Get help from Hillsboro Fire Department. Call 503-681-6166 to set up an appointment with our Juvenile Firesetter Interventionist. We provide early intervention that evaluates, educates, and refers kids & families to services to stop firesetting behaviors.