Children and Fire...What Every Parent Should Know

Forty to seventy percent of all fires are set by children!  Why children set fires, and what can we do to stop them is a problem that should concern all of us.  In some instances there have been parents who have taken turns staying awake all night because their child had set so many fires.  They resorted to this desperate action because they did not know where to go for help.  Help is available!

There are three main categories of children "playing with fire".

• Those who do not understand what they are doing.

• Those who are "crying out" for help due to problems in or around their life.

• Those who have significant social pressures with no clear-cut motivation for the fire setting.

How You Can Help Prevent Fire Setting:

• Teach very young children that fire is a tool (like power tools and cars), and that it can be dangerous and is only for adults to use.  Teach them about the good fires we use to cook our food and heat our houses, and help them to understand the difference.

• Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of young children.  Teach them to bring any matches or lighters they find to you, and praise them for doing so.

•  Set a good example for them.  Keep your home fire safe and let your children help you.  Older children take pride in being the "protector" of the younger siblings.

Fire Setting Facts:

• Curiosity about fire is common, fire play and fire setting is not.  Multiple incidents are a definite sign to seek professional help.

• Fire setting is not a phase that they will grow out of.  If not dealt with it will continue and escalate.

• Some people think if you burn a child's hands they will stop playing with fire.  This will only scare or injure the child, and the real reason for the fire is left un-addressed.

•  All fires start small.  Whenever a fire is set, they are endangering themselves and the other lives around them.

• A child setting a fire is not a pyromaniac.  It is usually an action resulting out of many reasons, which if properly dealt with can be stopped.  The best way to determine why children set fires is to understand the motivation behind them.

What To Do:

If you discover burnt matches or papers, or suspect your child is setting fires, take immediate action.  Talk to your child and explain why this is dangerous.  If the fire setting continues or causes any damage, have the child screened to determine the reason the fires are being set.

Where To Go For Help:

Many fire departments have screening and referral programs, if necessary, for children who set or play with fire.  Contact your local fire department to see if they have such a program.  If they do not have one, in Illinois you can call 1-800-446-1589, and you will be given the name of someone close to you. 

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