National Statistics

• 55% of all arson arrests are juveniles


• 32% of all juvenile arson arrests are over 15 years old


• 50-60% of residential fires are set by juveniles


• The United States leads the world in fire and burn related deaths

WHAT IS FIRESETTING?

We call children firesetters when they have begun to use fire in a way that is dangerous or not approved by a parent. The term firesetter does not mean a child has a problem. The majority of children should be gaining all the information they need to be safe with fire at home and school. These are areas you can help control.

FIRESETTING MYTHS

MYTH: It is normal for children to play with fire.

FACT: While curiosity about fire is common, use without a parent’s approval or knowledge is dangerous to the child and anyone around them.

MYTH: If you burn a child’s hand, they will stop.

FACT: Burns only create fear and scars. The reason behind fire use must be discovered and addressed.

MYTH: It is a phase the child will grow out of.

FACT: It is not a phase. It is a dangerous behavior. You cannot afford to wait for fire behavior to change. It only takes one match to cause serious injury or death.

MYTH: Some children are obsessed with fire.

FACT: In reality, very few children are obsessed or would be considered pyromaniacs. There is almost always a reason behind the behavior.

Last updated December 3, 2003