Juvenile Firesetters Information
(Information compiled by the Vermont Department of Public Safety)
In a typical year, in the U.S., 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. The number of fires set by children is growing. It is a problem that needs the attention of parents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders, in cooperation with fire and law enforcement officials.
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 start fires.
Curious Fire setters
Curious fire setters usually are 2- to 7- year-olds whose fascination with fire leads them to play with it to find out how it feels, how it burns, and what it does.
They do not understand fire’s destructive potential. Although curiosity is a 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
Problem fire setters also can be very young, but generally are 5 to 17 years old. In contrast to the curious fire setter, 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 disturbance could be the cause. Chronic behaviors such as a poor relationship with other children, cruelty to animals, and extreme mood changes are a few of the common traits revealed by data on juvenile fire setters.
What Can You Do?
Control Your Child’s Access to Fire
If you feel that your child may be or has been a fire setter and you would like more information or help please contact Lieutenant Jenn Benway through e-mail at ccvfc29@gmail.com or leave a message for her at 878-8961.
In a typical year, in the U.S., 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. The number of fires set by children is growing. It is a problem that needs the attention of parents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders, in cooperation with fire and law enforcement officials.
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 start fires.
Curious Fire setters
Curious fire setters usually are 2- to 7- year-olds whose fascination with fire leads them to play with it to find out how it feels, how it burns, and what it does.
They do not understand fire’s destructive potential. Although curiosity is a 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
Problem fire setters also can be very young, but generally are 5 to 17 years old. In contrast to the curious fire setter, 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 disturbance could be the cause. Chronic behaviors such as a poor relationship with other children, cruelty to animals, and extreme mood changes are a few of the common traits revealed by data on juvenile fire setters.
What Can You Do?
- Parents should teach their children the following about fire:
- Fire is a tool we use to heat our homes or cook our 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 Your Child’s Access to Fire
- Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children -- even a 2-year old can operate a cigarette lighter.
- Never allow anyone to use lighters or matches in an unsafe manner in your home.
- Never leave stoves or lighted candles unattended.
- Teach children to bring to your attention any matches or lighters they find.
If you feel that your child may be or has been a fire setter and you would like more information or help please contact Lieutenant Jenn Benway through e-mail at ccvfc29@gmail.com or leave a message for her at 878-8961.