Juvenile Firesetting Intervention

What is firesetting?

We call children firesetters when they have begun to use fire in away 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 in school. These are areas you can help control. 

If You Need Help

When firesetting goes beyond what you are able to deal with, call your fire department. Most fire agencies can provide fire safety education for your family. Many have specific programs to deal with children who have been involved with fire. Call the Kaysville Fire Department at 801-544-2860.

Do not put off dealing with this behavior. Fire is a devastating and deadly force.

Fire safety Starts at Home. Your Safety is Your Responsibility!

Why Children Experiment With Fire

There are many reasons children may experiment with fire. They are all of concern to those in the fire service. Often Children as well as adults are unable to make proper choices to remain safe around fire. If a child you care about has played with matches, lighters, fireworks, candles, has set a fire or has shown a curiosity of fire that worries you, please contact us about our Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program.

Program Details

The Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program provides a simple risk assessment and fire safety education for the child and the caregiver at no charge. Everything is confidential and intended to help you keep your family safe from fire. Both child and caregiver will learn what they can do to make the home a safer place to live. Statistically, children who have set a fire will continue to do so, setting increasingly more dangerous fires. The Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program we use has been shown to end this behavior in most cases.

Smoke Alarms

Until your appointment, you can make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on each level of the house and outside the sleeping areas. Test each one to make sure they are working. Look through the house and remove or secure all fire starting tools including matches, lighters, and barbecue lighters. The child can help you do these things to keep your family safe.

Age Group

Most programs work with children 5 to 17 years of age. Younger children may be seen based on the situation. If a child is facing charges, the Fire Department may wait until the case is settled because attendance in an Intervention Program is often ordered as part of the deferment, parole or sentencing.

Fire Setting Causes

Fire setting can be a symptom of another challenge a child is facing. If the child is at high risk of continuing their dangerous behavior with fire, you will likely be encouraged to seek the assistance of a mental health professional to address the underlying cause of their behavior. If your insurance does not cover the costs, your local health department can often find assistance.