Children With Fire

by

Don Porth, President
SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs

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Children with fire. Many think this is as natural as peanut butter and jelly. But the sad facts are far different. Children will take the lives of over 400 people this year by playing with fire. Tragically, the most likely victim of these fires are preschool age children. While they are most often the victims of their own acts with fire, they are also at risk when siblings or neighbor children misuse fire.

Many believe that fires set by children must be hostile, violent acts committed by angry adolescents. This does occur. However, the vast majority of fires set by children stem from innocent fire play where the intent is to do no harm whatsoever. The obvious question that follows is "Why? Don't children realize that fire can kill people and destroy property?" In most cases, no!

Fire is a great contradiction in our society. We expect people to be afraid of it and respect it yet everyday, it surrounds us in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes these uses become so routine that, as adults, not only do we let our guard down but we also teach our children (with our behavior) that fire is not dangerous. A child's primary method of learning is through what they see, not what is said. Never underestimate the power of an example set by an adult.

Birthday candles, incense, gas stoves, barbecues, and campfires all minimize the dangers of even the smallest flame. And then there are cigarettes. While cigarette smoking adults do not cause children to play with fire, the example they give minimizes the dangers. Numerous times a day a smoker will hold that flame within inches of his or her face. This same person will tell a child that using that device will kill someone or destroy property. The child has just seen an adult use the device (the match or lighter) in what appears to be a satisfactory or safe manner. This is a contradiction that leaves a child with the idea that death does not necessarily result from the use of these items, which can confuse and misinform.

Also common in the homes of smokers is ready access to matches and lighters. A child in a home with a smoker will be twice as likely to be involved with fire play as a child who is in a home with a non-smoker.

If these are the problems that lead the children of our nation to take over 400 lives and damage over 150 million dollars in property each year, then what are the solutions? First and foremost is watchful and conscientious parenting. Parents teach their children about the dangers of knives, guns, and drugs, but often overlook deadly devices that are common within our homes: matches and lighters. A look at deaths caused by children living in Portland, Oregon over a nine year period revealed an amazing discovery: children are two and one half times more likely to take a life playing with a match or lighter than they are by accidentally firing a loaded gun!

Fortunately, the solutions are easy. The following steps can help parents prevent children from misusing fire and placing themselves, their families, and their communities at-risk:

Adults must set a good example when using matches and lighters. Children will do as you do, not as you say. Teach children, through actions and words, that matches and lighters are Tools for adults, NOT toys for children. Answer children's questions about fire. When children ask questions, they want to learn. There is no better time to explain the proper use of fire. Give children opportunities to use fire only when they are responsible enough to do so safely. This usually occurs around age 12, although parents know their own children best. Always error to the side of safety. Understand that a child's interest in fire is normal. Almost all humans, adults or children, have some interest in fire. Its appropriate use is the critical issue. A child's ideas about the use of fire will mirror their parents behavior with fire. The misuse of fire by anyone is dangerous. Keep matches and lighters in a safe place, out of sight and out of reach. This is important at all times. Even if you do not have children of your own, you may have young visitors from time to time.

If this problem is as bad as what is described, then what is being done to quell this dangerous behavior? In a word, plenty! SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs is a non-profit group dedicated to reducing the problem of children's misuse of fire. We deliver training programs to the fire service and mental health community, distribute educational messages (such as this article), support the development of educational tools to help children better understand the proper use of fire, and maintain an Internet site (sosfires.com) to share information and developments around the globe.

On other fronts, the Center For High-Risk Outreach, a section of the National Fire Protection Association, has established a steering committee to facilitate the recommendations that have come from two meetings of experts from across North America. These recommendations will bring our continent together to help communities everywhere become safer.

And at the local level, most fire departments have programs to help families when their child's fire behavior becomes of concern or gets out of control. These programs usually partner with the mental health community to offer a full range of services for children who have misused fire. Contact your fire department to see if they have a program in your community.

But above all, keep in mind that a good example and good information from adults, particularly parents, is all that is needed to keep most children safe from fire. Few children ever develop a problem with fire that requires counseling or other such help. Curiosity is what allows children to learn and grow. But fire, through even the most innocent act of play, can bring a child's life to a quick and tragic end. Please take action today to make a child's life safer, because every child deserves a safe tomorrow.

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