Juvenile Firesetting Program

Juvenile fireplay is extremely dangerous and should not be dismissed as a phase or simple curiosity.  Statistics show that nearly 50 percent or more of all fires are started by children who play with matches, lighters, and other ignition sources.  Juvenile firesetting causes an estimated $900 million dollars in property damages annually.  Sadly, the majority of the victims of child-set fires are the children themselves.

The best way to understand a child’s firesetting behavior is to look at its context and motivation. While curiosity about fire is common, some children light fires for other reasons. Very often, the behavior is a symptom of larger school, family or emotional problems.

By assessing children who set fires, the Fire District determines whether the child is a first-time curious firesetter and unlikely to set another fire, or whether the child has long-standing problems and should be referred for counseling, therapy or to the Juvenile Justice System.  Interviews with the child and parent are conducted to determine the reason for the firesetting behavior and to provide educational information.  The program corrects misinformation about fire and teaches accurate facts. Components of the program include:

            Family Interview and Screening

            Fire Safety Education Lessons

            Homework and/or Community Service

            Written Contract between Fire District, Child and Family

            Possible Referral

The District  Firesetter Program is available to children ages 4-14 who are identified by school, police or fire authorities and have had no prior history with juvenile authorities.  Parents may also request the Program if concerned about evidence of fireplay at home.

For further information, contact the Fire District Public Education Office at                    (619)660-5359.

My Child Plays with Fire!  What Should I do? 

1. Make sure you have at least one working smoke detector in your home.  Place a smoke detector in your child's bedroom as an extra precaution.
2. Have a home fire escape plan and practice it with all your family members.  Don't forget to include an outside meeting place.
3. Locate all matches, lighters, BBQ starters, etc., and lock them up.
4. If you are a smoker, keep your lighter with you at all times.  Use child resistant lighters.  (Child resistant does not mean childproof, so use extra care.)
5. Establish a rule that your child is never to touch matches or lighters.
6. Increase supervision of firesetting children.  Do not let them play alone or unsupervised.  Use caution when letting them play in other children's homes where lighters or matches might be available.
7. Check your child's backpack, closet, or any secret place for hidden matches and lighters.
8. Lock up all flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, WD-40, etc.
9. Always model good fire safety behavior.  Kids learn from watching their parents.
10. Contact the San Miguel Fire District at (619)660-5359 for further information.