Understanding what circumstances lead children to start fires and by following a few basic fire safety practices, you can reduce the chances of your children starting destructive fires. Curiosity about fire is part of a child's growth process, especially between the ages of 2 and 9. The majority of fires set by young children are set out of curiosity or experimentation.

When children are bored and under no supervision, fires may happen. Matches and lighters should be locked up. Any child can be a potential firesetter. Firesetting behavior in some children is a way of expressing feeling of frustration, unhappiness and need. Punishment, discipline and "scare tactics" will not satisfy a child's curiosity about fire. The child may be angry over a divorce, a move or other crisis. They may be seeking revenge or using fire to send a message that they desperately need attention.

Seminole County Fire Department’s Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Program, which began in 1982, may be able to help curb undesirable behavior. Of course, there is no charge for the department’s services, and all information is kept strictly confidential.

Although the department does not hire counselors, our staff has been trained to provide the proper course of action needed after our evaluation of the situation. The assessment will determine whether the child is in need of additional life saving fire safety education (which the fire department will provide), if the child is in need of professional counseling, or in need of both.

Types of Firesetters

THE CURIOUS FIRESETTER: This child is curious about fire and plays with it in order to learn about it. The curious child needs fire prevention education and supervision to channel his/her interests to safer, non-ignition fire activities.

THE DELINQUENT FIRESETTER: The delinquent firesetter is responding to peer pressure and acting without thinking about the consequences of his/her actions. He/she needs to take responsibility for his/her actions with fire prevention education and community service that is court mandated.

THE CRISIS FIRESETTER: This child sends a "cry for help" with his or her firesetting, because they are unable to cope with some trauma or stress. The crisis firesetter needs supportive fire prevention education and counseling to help him/her learn safer ways to cope with problems.

THE PATHOLOGICAL FIRESETTER: This emotionally disturbed child uses the power of fire to compensate for feelings of helplessness. This child needs intensive treatment in a secure hospital or residential program.

Enrollment

Selected personnel with the Seminole County Fire Department have received training from the United States Fire Administration and attend annual trainings in public education and fire prevention, to keep abreast of new developments in this field. To enroll a youth or obtain more information, please contact our Community Information and Education Office at (407) 665-5113.