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Phrases that describe a problem which has been receiving growing attention. And rightfully so. The United States Fire Administration reports that between 25% and 40% of all fires are set by children. In some areas, this figure is as high as 70%!
Why do so many children - why does any child - light fires? More importantly, what can we do to stop them?
Most experts agree that the best way to understand a child's fire setting is by looking at the context and motivation for the behavior. There are four types of fire setting, and for each type, a different strategy is used to stop the behavior.
Curiosity
Child - usually 3-7 years old; almost always a boy; possibly hyperactive; usually alone
Fire - usually in a closet or under a bed; hidden origin; matches or lighters; usually panics if fire gets out of control.
Child and Fire - child is curious and plays with fire to learn about it.
Risks - because the child doesn't understand the consequences of his actions, the fire can cause major damage.
Treatment - fire safety education
Crisis
Child - usually 5-10 years old; almost always a boy; sudden change in life or recent trauma; almost always alone.
Fire - highly symbolic fire; someone's clothes or possessions, or specific location related to stress.
Child and fire - child is using fire as a "cry for help"; to show his inability to cope with sudden change.
Risks - He will continue until stress is relieved or he is taught safer ways to cope.
Treatment - Counseling and education.
Delinquent
Child - usually 10-14 years old; both boys and girls; always in a group
Fire - Usually an outdoor location; dumpsters, grass fires, "vandalism" type fires
Child and fire - child sets fires to impress peers, out of boredom, defiance, or peer pressure.
Risks - can cause harm to self and others.
Treatment - restitution and education.
Problem
Child - Usually 7-12 years old; almost always boys; history of school and social problems; almost always alone; other aggressive and problem behaviors.
Fire - Random or ritualized; usually in or around the home.
Child and Fire - Often no clear cut motivation for fire setting.
Risks - Very high occurrence.
Treatment - Counseling.
You can Prevent Most Fire Setting
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Teach very young children that fire is a tool we use to cook food or heat the home. It is not magic. It is dangerous and only for adults to use carefully. (Use the example of driving a car or using power tools).
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Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of very young children. Even a 2-year-old can easily work a cigarette lighter!
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Have all children bring matches to you and reward them or praise them when they do.
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If an older child is curious about matches, show him the proper and safe way to use them. Explain why it is important to use matches only when needed and with an adult present.
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Set a good example: always be careful with matches and fire. Keep your home fire safe and let your children help you.
Fire setting
Myth: "It's normal for children to play with fire."
Fact: While curiosity about fire is common, fire play or fire setting is NOT and it can be deadly.
Myth: "It's a phase that he will grow out of."
Fact: It is NOT a phase and you must deal with it immediately or it will continue.
Myth: "If you burn his hand, he will stop."
Fact: If you burn your child, he will be scarred, that's all. You must address the real reason for the fire before the child will stop.
Myth: "If the fires are small it is no big deal."
Fact: All fires start out as small fires. Anytime a child sets a fire, he is endangering himself and the people around him. That's a big deal.
Myth: "Fire setting is pyromania."
Fact: Pyromania is a disorder. Fire setting is not. It is a behavior which can have many reasons and which can be stopped.
What to Do - If you discover burnt matches or papers, or have any other reasons to suspect that your child is setting fires, you should take immediate action. First of all, put all matches and lighters out of reach and explain to your child why you are doing this. Teach your child why you don't want him to play with matches or lighters. If the fire setting continues, or if the first incident caused any damage, your child should be evaluated to determine what is behind this type of behavior. Once this determination is made, the appropriate intervention can be used.
Where to Go for Help - Many fire departments have screening and referral programs for children who set or play with fire. Contact your local fire department. If they do not have a program (yelling at a child at the fire station is NOT an effective approach) there are people close by to help.
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