The
consequences of juvenile fire setting can be costly and tragic. Each year fires
set by children claim the lives of hundreds of people and destroy millions of
dollars of property. Children are the predominant victims of these fires and
account for 85 of every 100 lives lost, according to The U.S. Fire
Administration. The Rock Springs Fire Department Fire Setter
Intervention Program is dedicated to
assist children and their families with issues related to fire curiosity, fire experimentation,
and fire setting.
WHO ARE JUVENILE FIRE SETTERS?
A juvenile
fire setter is defined as a youth under the age of 18 who accidentally or
purposely starts a fire. If your child is setting fires or you find evidence
that your child is setting fires, you should be concerned.
CHILDREN AND FIRE: MYTHS AND FACTS
Myth-"Don't all children play with fire?".....
Fact- For
children, interest in fire is natural, setting fires is NOT.
Myth-"Playing with fire is a stage they'll grow out of".....
Fact-
Children need to be taught about fire, what it is, what it does and what can
happen if it gets out of control.
Myth-"It was just a small fire, they were just playing".....
Fact- ALL
big fires start small.
Myth-"Juvenile fire setters are pyromaniacs".....
Fact- The
majority of Juvenile fire setters are ordinary children in need.
- Some are curious and experimenting with fire. (These children benefit from
education)
- Some are troubled. (These children need counseling or other community
services)
Myth-"Punishing a child will make them stop playing with and
setting fires".....
Fact- Punishing
does not teach a child about fire. Children need to be educated about fire and
fire as a tool.
WHAT IS THE FIRE SETTER
INTERVENTION PROGRAM?
The
Rock Springs Fire Department offers fire setter
intervention to assist families within Rock Springs when their children engage
in fire setting behavior. The Fire Setter Intervention Program typically encompasses 3 to 4 sessions. Each session is
approximately 45 minute in length. All sessions are kept confidential. After an
initial assessment a specific plan is developed to best address the
needs of the family and child involved. The scope of the program is to educate
the child about fire, fire safety, burn injuries, decision making, and
consequences - both good and bad. There is no cost for the Fire Setter
Intervention Program. The participation of the child involved and at least one
parent or guardian is required at all visits.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN INTERVENTION?
To schedule an appointment, please call us at 307-352-1475. Sessions are conducted, in a casual setting, at our training facility classroom in Fire Station #3, 145 Industrial Drive.
