Juvenile Firesetting

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Why do children like fire?

One of the first times a baby experiences fire is on their first birthday. A cake is set in front of the child with a birthday candle in it. Everyone cheers and claps their hands when the candle is blown out.

Then, the baby gets birthday presents.

A small child often is told "Don't play with fire. Fire will hurt you." In many homes, small children see adults light cigarettes. Fire is brought very close to the adult's face, yet the adult doesn't get burned.

Fire is used for many purposes, including holiday celebrations and church activities. Fire is seen on television in advertising, music videos, television shows, and the news. What is seen on television is real to small children. Fire does not hurt them when seen on TV.

Lighters and matches are very attractive. Lighters even have cartoons, flowers, and other attention-getting art on them, making them appear more like toys. Curious young children are drawn to these bright and colorful objects, especially when left out for small hands to easily reach them.

Fires started by children playing with matches and lighters are the leading cause of fire deaths for preschool-age children and account for more than one-third of all fire deaths ("Children playing With Fire: U.S. Experience, 1980-1995," National Fire Protection Association, 1997).

Curiousity about fire is normal. Firesetting is not. Small children have an innate curiousity to learn. They learn by touching and feeling.

What to look for?

Burned pieces of paper
Scorch marks on carpet
Scorch marks on furniture
Cigarette butts
Burned candles
Burned incense
Burns or injuries to fingers
Smell of smoke in room or house
Lighters/matches missing
Lighters/matches showing up that do not belong in the household
Excessive curiousity about stove (small children)
Check under beds and in drawers for burn or scorch marks

What should I do?

Eighty percent of the children who set fires will set fires again ("The Faces of Juvenile Fire Setting," Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute). Many fire departments have programs dealing with children and firesetting or fireplay.

Call the Office of the Indiana State Fire Marshall at 317-232-2222 or Riley Hospital at 317-274-2964 for information on the program nearest you.

Young children will not learn by punishment or scare tactics. Proper education must be given to meet the child's and family's needs to stop the firesetting behavior. Early identification and treatment of children who are involved in firesetting for reasons other than curiousity is important to a family's safety.

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