Juvenile Firesetters

Children set fires for many reasons.  If a child plays with fire that does not mean they are a problem child.  When children have repeated and intentional fire starting behaviors fascination becomes a problem.

Though education, and in some cases counseling, children and their families can be given the skills to change this dangerous behavior

Studies show that fires started by children playing with matches and lighters are the leading cause of fire deaths for pre-school children and account for more that 1/3 of their fire deaths.

What is a firesetter?

Natural curiosity or serious problem?

Firesetting, usually by males, include a wide range of behaviors; from the pre-schoolers curiosity to malicious teens who set fires.

• 1. Fire Interest; under 7 years old:  Child who asks questions about fire, incorporates fire-related objects such as fire engines, into play, or asks permission to participate in a supervised activities such as lighting a grill.

  • Fireplay; Ages 5-10 yrs old:  Child unintentionally starts a fire, usually while unsupervised, makes serious attempts to extinguish fire or goes for help.  Destructive fire, generally stated in closets or under beds, surprises and frightens the child.

• Crisis; Ages 7-18 yrs old:  Child unintentionally seeks fire starting materials and ignites papers, leaves, personal property or specific locations.  Behavior may be related to: stress, death, move, move, divorce, anger, need for attention, malicious mischief or excitement.

• Arson:  Malicious and willful burning of any structure, forest land, or property.  An older youth of age may be charged with Arson.

When to be Concerned

With an innate curiosity to learn, children are especially attracted to fire and must be taught to understand its ability to hurt and destroy.

Firesetting is usually an expression of a child's feelings, a cry for help.  Children in homes where domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, or chaotic parenting styles occur are at great risk.  Possible warning signs:

• playing with matches or lighters

• trying to burn items

• carrying fire starting materials in pockets or having them in their room

• talking about fire

• asking how particular materials will burn

What you can do

If you suspect a child has set or played with fire, seek help.  The fire service is the leading community agency involved in early intervention programs that:

• help identify children at-risk by looking at how and why the fire happened.

• recommend prevention programs for first-time fire setters who were motivated by accident, curiosity, or experimentation.

• evaluate, educate, counsel, and recommend services that stop firesetting behavior and identify any related problems.

© MCMXCIII National Fire Safety Council, Inc.