Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program

Fire setting by children is a problem that needs immediate attention. Almost every child has some curiosity about fire. But progression from mere interest in fire to fire play and fire setting can result in devastating destruction and even death. Each year in our country fires set by children result in hundreds of lives lost, thousands of painful burn injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. Children make up 15-20% of all fire deaths. Many of those deaths are preschool age children who were simply around the fire setter. It is vital that fire departments work with schools and families to educate children about fire safety and the dangers of fire setting.

West Thurston Regional Fire Authority offers Juvenile Firesetter Intervention classes to educate children and their families about the dangers of fire and to reduce the incidents of willful and/or malicious fires set by minors. The program includes fire safety education and fire related consequences. Participants work through a series of lessons and view a variety of video/DVD programs dealing with the dangers and consequences of fire setting. There are also various homework assignments to complete which encourage discussions at home about topics covered in class.

Children and their families may participate in this program through voluntary referral (where a parent/guardian realizes a problem exists and refers the child to the program) or through agency referrals (DNR, fire department, sheriff, etc.). Children involved in fire setting situations will be screened to identify reasons for their behavior. Lessons will increase participants’ understanding of fire, methods to control access to matches/lighters, fire safety behavior, and the dangers/consequences of fire setting. Lessons are geared towards three main age groups: preschool, primary (6-9 years of age), and intermediate (ages 10 and above).

We currently have two Interventionists, Captain Gary Stone and his wife, Kathleen, who is a public school educator. Classes are offered throughout the year when referrals are made. To date they have worked with children ranging in age from 4 to 16 years old. The Stones were recently awarded a $2,000 grant from FM Global to expand their Firesetter Intervention program. Sir Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power." Helping children understand the dangers of fire will make them more likely to treat fire with respect. Teaching them what to do if they are in a fire situation could potentially save their lives. Benefits of our programs will not only result in the reduction of fire setting situations but will ultimately improve the overall safety and quality of life for children and families in our community.