Children and Fire
Curiosity about fire is natural for children, setting fires is not. Is Child Fireplay and Firesetting a Problem? The NFPA reports trends in fires set by young children in the U.S. annually resulted in:
95,000 fires
Over 300 deaths
Over 3,000 injuries
$300 million in property damage
Is Juvenile Arson a Problem?
The FBI Crime Index reports that juvenile and adult arson cause an average of 560,000 fires, 750 deaths, 3,700 injuries, $1.5 BILLION in propert loss.
55% of all arson arrests in the U.S. are children under 18
Nearly half of these are age 15 and under
6.8% are under the age of 10
The crime of arson has the highest rate of juvenile involvement
The first step in sloving the problem is to better understand who and why children set fires.
How To Identify a Firesetter:
Curiosity/Experimental - Little Risk
Are boys and girls ages 2 - 10 (sometimes younger)
Lack understanding of the destructive potential of fire
Have ready access to lighters. Matches or open flame
Are left unsupervised
Troubled Firesetters - Definite, Extreme Risk
- Mostly boys of all ages
- Have set two or more fires
- Use fire to express anger, sadness, frustration and powerless feelings related to stress or major changes in their life.
- May not understand the consequences of uncontrolled fire
- Will continue to set fires until needs are identified and met
- Also known as "crisis" or "cry for help" firesetters
Delinquent/Criminal
- Usually teenagers with a history of firesetting, truancy, antisocial behavior or drug/alcohol abuse
- Fires set with the intent to destroy, or as acts of vandelism or malicious mischief.
- Targets are typically schools, open fields, dumpsters or abandonded buildings
- May involve restitution and criminial punishment if determined to b
Emotionally Disturbed - Psychiatric Diagnosis
- Fires may be random, ritualized or with specific intent to destroy property (arson)
- Chronic history of school behavioral, social, emotional or physical problems
- Boys or girls, all ages
- Set many fires
Communities Need to Work Together to Make A Difference
Everyone in the community should be involved. This includes parents and caregivers, the local fire and police departments, mental health counselors, social services, juvenile justice, schools, churches, medical community, youth service workers, public and private business, insurance industry and other community leaders.
What Can You Do?
To prevent curiosity firesetting in the first place, provide fire safety education for children and youth throughout the year.
Organize a coordinated, community base, screening/intervention program
Identify and provide for the child’s and family’s needs (fire safety education, counseling, social services, etc.)
Assist parents/caregivers and all who work with children to better understand children’s involvement with fire (when and where to go for help)
A Note To Parents And Caregivers
Teach young children that fire and fire tools are for grown-ups to use.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach, in high ideally locked cabinets.
Supervise small children.
Ask young children to tell you when they find matches and lighters and put them away.
Teach older children proper techniques in using fire and fire tools - how to safely strike a match or light a candle with supervision.
Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire.
Set a good example, use matches, lighters and fire carefully - keep your home fire safe.
IF ...You know a firesetter child in need of assistance...
... You want more information about child firesetting and juvenile arson..
Contact City of Dunn Fire Department (910) 892-2938
Information provided by FEMA http:/www.fema.gov
Fire Safety Checklist
(Fire Safety Checklist By The U.S. Fire administration)
Is Your Home Fire Safe?
Take a few minutes to walk through your house and use this checklist to make sure your home is fire safe!
Alternative Heaters
Use heaters only in well ventilated rooms.
Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily
Do not use heaters to dry cloths or other items
Keep heaters a safe distance from curtains, furniture and all combustibles
Kerosene Heaters
Be sure that kerosene heatrs are legal in your area
Fill only with K-1 kerosene and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel.
It is recommended to refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and when they are cool.
Woodstoves and Fireplaces
Only used seasoned wood and never use green wood, artificial wood or trash.
Always use a protective screen.
Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys yearly.
Safe Cooking Practices
Do not leave food unattended on the stove.
Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
Keep appliances clean and free from grease and crumbs.
Keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.
Smoke Detectors
Place smoke detectors in every bedroom and on every floor.
Test batteries monthly and change batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and the fall.
Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches from the wall and corners.
Electrical Wiring
Replace wiring if it is frayed or cracked.
Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Avoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch.
Keep covers over electric plates and avoid exposed wiring.
Electric Space Heaters
- Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, not into an extension cord.
- Unplug heaters when they are not being used.
Safe Smoking Habits
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
- Always attend burning cigerattes.
Children And Fire Safety
- Keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Teach children how to call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Use safety plugs in outlets.
Home Fire Escape Plan
- Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it.
- Pratice the plan every six months.
- Keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the telephone.
- Identify an outside meeting place and never return into a burning building.
- Know how to call for 911 emergency assistance.
Fire Safety Technology
o Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
o Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.
For more information about how to keep your home and family safe from fire, please write to:
U.S. Fire Administratio
16825 South Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
http://www.usfa.fema.gov
Information Provided By FEMA, USFA | 
