Curiosity about fire is natural, but when that curiosity leads to fire setting behavior, it becomes a serious concern. The Youth Fire Setting Intervention Program is designed to educate and intervene with children who have misused fire. Our goal is to prevent fires, injuries, deaths, and destruction of property. The best way to get a child who sets a fire the help they need is through early fire setting intervention.
What is Youth Fire Setting or Fire Misuse?
Any behavior involving the improper or unapproved use of fire, including:
- Playing with matches or lighters
- Setting fires intentionally or accidentally, fire play, or experimenting with flames
- Experimenting with fireworks or explosives
- Igniting aerosols or accelerants
- Watching or supporting others misusing fire
Steps You Can Take at Home
It is important to teach children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Fire is used to heat homes and cook food but can be dangerous and even deadly if not handled properly. Even small fires can spread quickly, so it’s essential for adults and children to follow fire safety rules.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach.
- Never allow anyone in your home to use matches or lighters unsafely.
- Never leave stoves or candles unattended.
- Teach your children to walk away from lighters/matches and tell an adult.
- Set a good example by maintaining your home's smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
- Create a fire escape plan for your family and hold practice drills.
- Inspect your home for fire hazards.
- Point out to your children the safety rules you and others must follow throughout the day.
Our Program
We have specially trained members in the Boise Fire Department who work to intervene when a child has misused fire. Fire setting intervention can range from providing age-appropriate education to identifying children who need a professional level of care and making appropriate referrals. We offer a one-on-one class that children will attend with their parent/guardian.
For more information, please view our program brochure.
To make a referral, please complete the contact form below or call the Fire Prevention Education Program Manager at 208-570-6243.