Help for Children with Fire-Setting Behavior

If you know a child who may have a problem with fire setting, contact the Salem Fire Department to schedule an appointment for evaluation and education.

Precautions

You can help prevent fire-setting by teaching children about fire safety and setting a good example:

• Teach young children that fire is a tool used for cooking or heating, not for play
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of young children
• Always handle matches and fire carefully
• Keep your home safe and involve children in fire safety practices so they can learn by helping you

The Problem

Fire setting by children is a serious issue. Terms like “children playing with matches,” “juvenile fire-setting” and “fire starters” describe a growing problem. The United States Fire Administration reports that children are responsible for starting over 50 percent of all fires. In some areas, this number is as high as 70 percent.

Why do so many children light fires? Experts say the best way to understand a child’s fire setting behavior is to look at the reasons behind it. Children set fires for different reasons, and there are three main types of fire setters. Each type requires a different approach to stop the behavior.

By addressing the causes of fire setting and providing education, we can help children stay safe and prevent dangerous situations.

The Risk Levels

Type 1 – Little Risk

• Usually 3-7 years old
• Mostly boys
• Possibly hyperactive
• Usually alone, in a closet, or under a bed
• Fire is of hidden origin and where ordinary combustibles are lit with either matches or a lighter
• Usually panics when the fire gets out of control

Type 2 – Definite Risk

• Usually 7-12 years old
• Mostly boys
• Sudden change in life or recent stress or trauma
• Could be alone
• Child is using fire as a “cry for help” to show an inability to cope with sudden change

Type 3 – Extreme Risk

• Usually 10-14 years old
• Almost always boys
• History of school and social problems
• Almost always alone
• Other aggressive and problem behaviors
• Fires are random or ritualized usually in or around the home
• There is no clear-cut motivation for the fire setting