Juvenile Arson is the fastest growing crime in America. It is epidemic in scope and yet the public is virtually unaware of its existence. Very young children are attracted to fire and to fire setting. Curiosity about fire is quite normal in two to seven-year olds. Children often show this interest when they light small fires or play with matches, lighters or candles.
Children are great imitators and mimic adults who light cigarettes, candles, and fireplaces.
Most children under seven do not understand fire's destructive consequences. To them, fire is bright, warm, exciting. They set fires fairly close to home, but more likely, in the home. Curiosity fire setters who see a fire growing beyond their control will often try to extinguish the blaze or run for help. Unfortunately, when they cannot extinguish it, many will run and hide, knowing that they have done something wrong.