Austin/Travis County
Children's Safety and Fire Education Program

Children's S.A.F.E. Program

Safety and Fire Education Program

Fire is the leading cause of death in the home for young children in the U.S.
Children of all ages set more than 100,000 fires annually. Approximately 25,000 of those fires are set in the home.
Of every 100 people in the U.S. 16 are children.
Of every 100 people who die in fires in the U.S. 23 are children
Of every 100 people who die in child-set fires in the U.S. 85 are children.
Of every 100 children who die in fires in the U.S. 24 are set by children playing with fire.
Of every ten fires, fire experts say that eight are preventable.

Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program

512-854-4357
(512-854-HELP)

Children are curious about fire. One of the ways young children learn about and explore their environment is through play. Often what begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can lead to tragedy.

At home, children typically play with fire in bedrooms, in closets and under beds. These are their secret places where there are many things that can catch fire easily. Young Children are not given sufficient education and guidance regarding fire and its dangers. Unfortunately, as a result, they often repeat their fire setting behavior.

Signs that your child is curious about fire.

He/she may ask questions about fire(s).
He/she may stare at or seem overly fascinated with fire.
He/she may point to or try to touch matches or lighters.
He/she may run to the window when fire trucks pass by.

Myth: It is normal for children to play with fire.
Fact: While curiosity about fire is common, playing with fire is not and can have devastating consequences.

Myth: It is "just a phase" and the child will "grow out of it."
Fact: Fire setting is not a phase and parents should deal with it immediately or it will continue and possible escalate.

Myth: If the fires are small, it's no big deal.
Fact: All fires start small. Any fire set by a child no matter the size, has the potential to harm the child and others.

The tragedies caused by child fire setting and playing with fire can be prevented...

by teaching children about fire
by controlling their access to fire
by setting a good example

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 1:16 PM

Children's S.A.F.E. Program

Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program

Signs that your child is curious about fire.

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