U.S. Fire Administration
 

Youth 

Firesetting... 

What You Can Do. 

FA-332B/May 2012 

What Communities Can Do 

•	 Prevent firesetting in the first place by providing fire safety education from preschool through high school.

•	 Raise awareness in your community about youth firesetting.

•	 Form partnerships between local fire departments and private sector organizations to help support firesetting prevention and intervention programs.

•	 Support community-based programs to provide services such as fire

safety education and counseling using community resources.

•	 Educate parents/caregivers and all who work with children about

where they can go for help about firesetting.

For Further Information: 

Visit the U.S. Fire Administration website at www.usfa.fema.gov or contact

your local fire department.

U.S. Fire Administration 

16825 S. Seton Ave.

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

www.usfa.fema.gov

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The Problem 

Nationwide, more than half of all intentionally set fires

are started by youths under the age of 18. Each year in

this country fires set by children and adolescents are

responsible for hundreds of fire deaths, thousands of

painful burn injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in property loss according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Young children are also the victims in these

fires. Fires set by children are common and a problem

affecting many families. While curiosity about fire is

natural, firesetting is dangerous and deadly. It is not

safe to think that youth firesetting is only a phase.

Why Children and Adolescents Set Fires 

Most experts agree that the best way to understand why fires are set is to

look at the motivations for firesetting. Motives can involve curiosity, experimentation, a cry for help, thrill-seeking, willful intent to cause destruction, or from mental or emotional disorders.

Factors Influencing Firesetting 

•	 Easy access to lighters and matches— 

In many homes where a child or adolescent was involved in starting a fire,

they easily discovered the matches or

lighter or knew exactly where to find

them.		If you smoke, always keep your

matches or lighter in your pocket or

in other secure locations.		Inform your child that you will be randomly checking his/her pockets, backpacks, and rooms for matches

and lighters.		

•	 Lack of supervision—Providing supervision is important. Parents

are often shocked to learn their child was engaged in firesetting

over a prolonged period of time.			

•	 Failure to practice fire safety—Young children, teens, and parents

often lack understanding of the dangers associated with firesetting

and safety rules about fire. Have clear rules rather than relying on

vague threats or warnings.

•	 Easy access to information on Internet—Technology has made explicit media available to youths about many dangerous and often

illegal activities for them to replicate.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Child Of Setting Fires 

If your child is displaying firesetting behavior, you and your family are at a

higher risk for suffering the consequences of fire. Remember, you are not the

only parent ever to face this problem. Contact your local fire department immediately. Explain the situation to them. Many fire departments offer youth

firesetting prevention and intervention programs.

Program Benefits Include: 

•	 A contact person in your area.

•	 Determination of potential level of risk for repeat firesetting incidents.

•	 Fire education for the youth and their family.

•	 Referrals for additional services.

What Parents Can Do To Reduce Firesetting 

•	 Supervision by adults decreases the

opportunity to set fires.

•	 Teach children of all ages that fires,

even small ones, can spread quickly.

•	 Teach young children that fire is a tool,

not a toy, and only used by adults.

•	 Keep matches and lighters out of sight

and out of reach.

•	 Always use fire with care and set a

good example by using matches,

lighters, and candles carefully.

•	 Teach children to show you when they find matches and  lighters.

•	 Teach older children proper techniques for using fire.

•	 Point out to your children the fire safety rules you and others follow

throughout the day.

•	 Talk to your children about the legal consequences of  firesetting.

What Families Can Do To Prevent Fires 

•	 Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.

•	 Install and maintain working smoke alarms throughout your home.

•	 Plan and practice home fire escape drills that include two ways out

from every room.

•	 Install residential sprinklers in your home.