The Burn Institute's Juvenile Firesetter Program teaches children about the dangerous consequences of playing with fire. Interviews with the child and parents are conducted to determine the reason for the firesetting behavior. If additional help is needed, the Institute refers families to community mental health professionals. The program corrects misinformation about fire and teaches accurate facts. Parents are encouraged to let their child become an active participant when using fire in appropriate situations such as lighting birthday candles, based on the child's age and maturity.
Responsibility is the key element.
Children and their families are encouraged to practice fire and burn prevention in their homes, check smoke detectors regularly, and develop a home fire escape plan. A contract is drawn up between the child and the parents, creating trust through a mutual understanding that fire is a tool to be used together carefully, and not to be played with in seclusion. The fire set by a curious child can cause the same disastrous results as a fire intentionally set by an arsonist. Many fires set by curious children are in or near the home - in a closet, in a bedroom, or in the back yard. Top of Page Community Service Since 1973, the Burn Institute has held the annual Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet to pay tribute to individuals who have risked their own lives to save others from death or injury by fire.