ARSON  AWARENESS  WEEK

The theme of Arson Awareness Week, May 6 –12, 2012, is Prevent Youth Firesetting.  The USFA (United States Fire Administration) and its partners will focus public attention on the importance of a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), during the 5 year period of 2005-2009, children playing with matches/lighters accounted for an average of 56,300 fires with associated losses of 110 civilian deaths, 880 civilian injuries, and $286 million in property damage.

• Younger children are more likely to set fires in homes, while older children and teenagers are more likely to set fires outside.  
• Males are more likely to engage in fire play than females (83 percent of home structure fires and 93 percent of outside fires were set by boys).  
• Lighters were the heat source in half (50 percent) of child-playing fires in homes. 
• A child's bedroom continues to account for 40 percent of child-playing home fires.

The most critical message for children to learn is that matches and lighters are tools, not toys.  Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children.  Keep them in high, locked cabinets.  Use child resistant lighters, but remember they are not child proof.  Instruct young children to inform an adult if they find matches or lighters.

There are four intervention services available for the child, parent, and/or legal caregiver to address youth firesetting behavior.  They include services by 1) fire department; 2) mental health; 3) social services counseling; and 4) juvenile justice.

Fire in the hands of children is devastating, regardless of a child’s age or motive.  It is imperative that we do everything possible to prevent youth firesetting to protect the nation’s most valuable resource – our children.

If you know of anyone who is experiencing issues with child fire play, please contact North Las Vegas Fire Department, Public Education Division, at 702.633.1066.