Kids & Arson
Children playing with matches, Juvenile firesetting, Firestarting. These are all phrases that describe a problem that has been receiving a growing amount of attention - and rightfully so.
The United State Fire Administration reports that between 25-40 percent of all fires are set by children. In some areas, the figure is as high as 70 percent. National figures also show that about 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.
Why do so many children - why does any child - light fires? More importantly, what can we do to stop them?
Children of all ages set fires. Each year children set about 100,000 fires nationwide, approximately 20,000 of those are set in homes. Children make up 20% of all fire deaths, and about 30% of the fires that kill children, are set by children.
The MAPC and USFA encourage parents to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fireplay. Click on the links to the left to explore four sections that will help inform you about the problems of child firesetting, how to help, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it.