JUVENILE FIRESETTING

Juvenile Firesetting is the term typically used to described children or adolescents who misuse fire or firesetting materials. It is sometimes broken down into classification according to motive or behavior. These classifications are: curiosity, fireplay or experimentation, and intentional. May fires set by juveniles are also classified as Arson under State law.

Curiosity firesetting comprises the group of children, usually under the age of 8, who are interested in fire and through their interest begin experimenting or using matches, lighters and other firesetting material. In the process they can cause fires, injury to other people and themselves. It is very important the children are taught from an early age that matches are tools not toys. For information on how to teach your child about the safe use of matches and fire, read the attached brochure.

Fireplay or Experimentation firesetting comprises children 5 to 10 who are building fires or using fire in unsafe way because they don't comprehend the risks and dangers of what they are doing.

Intentional fires are those set by children 8 and up. The motive behind this firesetting can range from upset and emotional problems to financial gain.

All firesetting behavior is serious because of the potential of injury and/or death through burns and risk of property damage. Many local firedepartments have firefighters trained to talk with parents and/or children who are identified as having problems with curiosity and fireplay. To contact a local fire department in Michigan go to Firedepartments.net

The University of Michigan Burn Center has a program called Straight Talk designed to help children with problem firesetting.

Check out the following websites

Focus Adolescent Service Contains a listing for Juvenile Firesetting Intervention programs around the US.

SOS Fires: Youth Intervention Program

I have collected a reading list of journal articles and books about Juvenile Firesetting.

If you think your child needs help because he or she has a problem with mis-use of matches or fire or fire setting materials, you can check out these resources for help.