Taken from City Matters May-June 2004 issue:

Juvenile Fire Setter, What Can You Do?

In a typical year, in the United States, 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.

Why Children Set Fires

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

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

Although curiosity is 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 Fire Setters also can be very young, but are generally 5 to 17 years old. In contrast to the curious fire setters, 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 fire setting behavior; or, a more serious destruction could be the cause. Chronic behaviors such as poor relationships with other children, cruelty to animals, and extreme mood changes are a few of the traits revealed by data on juvenile fire setters.

What Can You Do?

Parents, teach your child about fire:

• Fire is a tool we use to heat our homes or cook or 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 you child's access to fire. Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Even a 2-year-old can operate a cigarette lighter.
• Never allow anyone to use matches or lighters in an unsafe manner.
• Never leave stoves or lighted candles unattended.
• Teach children to bring to your attention any matches or lighters they find.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Plan and practice fire escape drills in your home.
• Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
• Always use safety when making or using fire.
• Talk to your children about fire safety.
• Teachers, Counselors, and Community Leaders, take responsibility for fire safety.
• Teach fire safety in preschool through high school programs.
• Participate in training to learn about juvenile fire setters.
• Help raise awareness in the community about juvenile fire setters.

If you have questions about article, fire prevention programs, or fire prevention inspections for business and residential, contact the League City Fire Marshal's Office at 281-334-7870. Regular office hours are (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM) Monday through Thursday and (8:00 AM to noon) or Friday.