Firesetting
FIRE SMART Program
Firesetting is the term used to describe the behavior of children who have begun
to use fire in a way that is dangerous or not approved by a parent or caregiver.
The term firesetter does not mean that a child has a problem. But it does mean that
the child needs additional education about the danger and proper uses of fire. Through
education, and in some cases counseling, children can learn the skills to change
this dangerous behavior.
When firesetting goes beyond what you are able to deal with, call the Independence
Fire Department, which can provide fire safety education for your family. The FIRE
SMART program can help children who have been involved with fire. Do not hesitate
dealing with this behavior; fire is a devastating and deadly force.
By determining the motivation for the firesetting, we can best determine how to
deal with it. Most children fall into the following classifications:
Curiosity/Experimentation
About 70 percent of fire setters are in this group. The child is curious. The opportunity
to set fires is there because the child has access to fire tools and is not supervised.
He or she decides to “see what fire will do.” He or she typically does not think
about or understand the danger of their actions.
Reactionary
These firesetters are usually older, upset about something, and not very good at
expressing themselves. They typically light a fire as a way to let grown-ups know
they need help. Their firestting is in reaction to a problem.
Delinquent Behavior
Usually teenagers, these firesetters light fires for many reasons. Most of the time
it is a prank or because of a dare. Sometimes it is to conceal other crimes like
vandalism or theft. Most firesetters in this group do not realize they are breaking
the law and could go to jail.