General Information

According to NFPA, in 2008, children playing with fire started an estimated 53,500 fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments, causing an estimated 70 civilian deaths, 910 civilian injuries and $279 million in direct property damage. Most child-playing home fires begin with lighters or matches. The items ignited by home fire-play are principally mattresses and bedding, papers, trash or waste, clothing, or upholstered furniture.

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 (714)573-6725.