Of all there is in the world to capture a child’s natural curiosity, perhaps nothing does a better job than fire of piquing the interest of a young mind.  Playing with matches and lighters out of natural curiosity can have tragic consequences, especially for young children.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the year 2002 child fireplay caused:

• 13,000 structure fires
• 210 civilian deaths; the majority of those fire deaths involved children less than 5 years of age
• 1250 civilian injuries
• $339 million in property loss

Such statistics are sobering to be sure, especially if you have young children in your home.   But you can have the greatest influence on your child’s curiosity about fire, and more importantly, the greatest influence on them developing a healthy respect for the danger and power of fire.  However, you must start early: fires started with matches or lighters are the leading cause of death in pre-school aged children.

Don’t count on anyone else taking care of this important task in your child’s development.  My friends and colleagues in our educational system are overwhelmed with additional mandates and requirements—they don’t have time to teach respect for fire or spot potential problems that your child might be having with fire.  Also, most child fireplay occurs outside the school environment making it more difficult for teachers to spot warning signs.

While many local fire departments might be delivering some level of fire safety education in the schools and the community, they are woefully underfunded and understaffed.  Most fire departments only devote a small percentage of their overall budget to fire safety education.  Many smaller departments, especially those staffed by community volunteers, are so strapped for cash that every dime goes toward fire suppression efforts leaving nothing for fire safety education, let alone intervention programs for juvenile firesetters.

The Internet offers a wealth of information and resources for you to become the subject matter experts in your house regarding child fireplay.  You can have the greatest influence on your child developing a fire safety attitude early in their lifetime.  You can also have an influence on the resources your community leaders devote to supporting fire safety education in your schools and fire department.  Or not, the choice is yours.