General Information

Experimentation with fire among children and teens is a major problem nationally. National Safe Kids notes that over one-third of children ages 6 to 14 report playing with fire at least once. This is an extremely dangerous behavior that frequently leads to tragedy. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), 58% of all reported child fire injuries and 62% of child fire deaths are attributed to children playing with fire. The US Fire Administration reports that half of all arson arrests are juveniles.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a webpage devoted to national statistics and facts about juvenile firesetting. Click Here to visit this excellent resource.

Safety tips
Many children who set a fire are acting on curiosity about fire. These tips will help children and families stay safe.

• Keep matches, lighters, candles, fireworks, and other dangerous items locked and out of the reach of children.
• Teach children that these items are tools, not toys, and not for children to use.
• Teach children that if they find matches or lighters, they should not touch them, but get an adult to pick them up and put them away.

If a child you know has started a fire or played with fire, contact your local fire department. If you live in Orange County, California, please click here for more information on the Fire FRIENDS program. You can enroll your child through your local fire department or by calling us at 888-492-2876.