Children & Fire: A Deadly Combination

Children playing with matches. Juvenile fire setting. Fire starting. These are all phrases that describe a problem that has received a growing amount of attention.

Why do so many children - why does any child - light fires? More importantly, what can we do to stop them?

Most experts agree that the best way to understand a child's fire setting is by looking at the context and motivation for the behavior. There are four types of fire setting. For each type there is a different strategy used to stop the behavior.

1. Curiosity Fire Setting

Child	Fire	Motivation	Risks	Treatment
Usually 3-7 years old Almost always a boy; possibly hyperactive usually alone	Usually in a closet or under a bed hidden origin; matches or lighter panics if fire gets out of control	Child is curious and plays with fire to learn about it.	Because the child doesn't understand the consequences of his actions, the fire can cause major damage.	Fire safety education

2. Crisis Fire Setting

Child	Fire	Motivation	Risks	Treatment
Usually 5-10 years old almost always a boy sudden change in life or recent trauma almost always alone	highly symbolic fire someone's posessions or clothes, or a specific location related to stress	Child is using fire as a "cry for help" to show his inability to cope with the sudden change	The child will continue until stress is relieved or he is taught safer ways to cope.	Counseling and education

3. Delinquent Fire Setting

Child	Fire	Motivation	Risks	Treatment
Usually 10-14 years old boys and girls always in a group	usually an outdoor location vandalism type fires	?	Can cause harm to self and others	Restitution and education

4. Problem Fire Setting

Child	Fire	Motivation	Risks	Treatment
usually 7-12 years old almost always boys history of school and social problems almost always alone aggressive and problem behaviors	random or ritualized, usually in or around the home	Often no clear cut motivation for fire setting	Very high reoccurrence	Counseling