Youth Firesetting Program

Child Playing with Fire

According to a 2014 NFPA report, each year, youth firesetting accounts for an average of 80 deaths, 860 civilian injuries, and $235 million in property damage.

Education is Key

Children and fire can be a deadly combination. If your child has misused fire or shown an unusual interest in fire, it is important they receive education about fire safety. Bothell Fire Department’s free and confidential, Youth Firesetting Program,  is designed to teach youth about the dangers of fire misuse, and the importance of being safe around fire. 

The program involves an initial family assessment to determine the "why" behind the fire misuse, and then a follow up meeting to either educate or discuss next steps/recommendations that will best address the behavior.

Resources

Keep you and your family safe with these tips: https://bit.ly/2OPs359

If you think your child needs assistance beyond fire safety education, take a look at our behavioral health referral list today.

Sean’s Story is a real-life account of the dangers and consequences of youth firesetting. 

Signs of Fire Misuse 

A child or teenager may be misusing fire if you find:

Lighters, matches or fireworks in a child’s room, pocket or belongings. 

Lighters, matches or other ignition devices turn up missing or are in a different location than where you left them. 

You smell gasoline, kerosene or other accelerants on a child’s clothing or in an area where they have been playing. 

There are unexplained scorch marks or melted areas of carpeting, flooring, toys, paper, furniture, etc.