Starting at age 12, children can be charged for setting a fire. Make sure your child is being supervised. Most children who play with fire have easy access to ignition devices and are not being supervised at the time of the incident. Practice fire safety in your home. Install and maintain smoke detectors, take measures to prevent fires, and develop and practice a home escape plan.
Children play with fire for many reasons.
Young children may set fires out of curiosity or as a cry for help. Older adolescents may set fires as a prank or dare. Whatever the motivation, early identification and intervention is critical.