Juvenile Fire Setters

Juvenile Fire Setters

Not only in Minnesota, but nationwide, there is a problem facing the American people that is quite terrifying. The problem is juvenile firesetting. Whether it is out of curiosity, a cry for help due to a crisis in their life, misguided or delinquent behavior, or a truly pathological situation, it affects us all. No matter what the reason for the act, the result is the same, property loss, injury, and death.

The Willmar Fire Department works alongside Kandiyohi County in helping to mitigate juveniles with fire-setting tendencies.  These lectures are always conducted confidentially by the Fire Chief or another Fire Officer.

BE AWARE!
  • Children as young as age 2 can strike a match and start a fire!
  • Many of the fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire.
  • About half of child fire-setting cases in homes are started in the bedroom.
  • Most fires caused by child fire-play involve lighters and matches – KEEP THESE ITEMS LOCKED UP AND OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
TEACH, TEACH, TEACH!
  • Fire is fast, hot and deadly!  It should never be played with.
  • Fire is uncontrollable.
  • Breathing toxic smoke caused by fires is just as dangerous as the fire itself.
  • Do not pick up matches or lighters: instead, tell an adult about them immediately.
  • If your child expresses curiosity about fire, calmly and firmly explain that matches and lighters are for adults and stress the dangers that fire poses.
Please refer to the links below for additional information from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office.