An effective youth firesetting program incorporates each of these key components into the process. Collaboration between the schools and the fire service is of particular importance in identifying these children as early as possible and the providing the necessary educational and, if needed, psychological intervention. Teachers are unequivocally the most valuable windows to society's future. Every day teachers interact with students at a variety of levels. Teachers are in a critical and valuable position in helping to recognize some of the characteristics that are associated with dangerous behaviors.
Teachers observe students over a period of time.
Teachers are also able to be part of educational planning teams for students along with other teachers, thus being able to communicate with other teachers and professionals about observed behaviors in a student. No doubt, increased communication between school district personnel and fire department personnel would be a powerful tool in reducing child-set fires and the devastating and violent consequences of such behavior. Some ways that teachers can take an active role in dealing with the problem of youth firesetting is to teach and model fire safety in the classroom. This means explaining to students why the exits must be kept clear, why objects should not be placed too close to the heater and discussing the importance of fire drills among a variety of other fire safety education pieces. Demonstrating all of these things in the classroom while taking advantage of teachable moments in regards to fire safety is a great step in the right direction.