Juvenile Fire Setters Program
Coeur d'Alene Fire Department
The Coeur d Alene Fire Department offers a free, confidential education
program for children who show curiosity about fire or have started a fire.
You can reach one of our Fire Educators by calling 208-769-2340.
Facts about juvenile fire setters:
Juveniles set over 50% of all fires
300 children each year die in youth related fires
Two of every fire death of pre-school children in home fires occurs between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Death by fire is the leading cause of accidental death of children in the home
Children who start fires:
There are two types identified by child experts:
Curiosity fire setters:
Usually aged 2-7
Are fascinated by fire, what it does, how it feels, how it burns
Don’t understand a fires destructive potential
Problem fire setters:
Start fires due to emotional or mental disturbances ranging from mild to severe
Triggers to fire setting behavior: A crisis in the child’s life such as moving to a new area, divorce or death, friendship or school issues.
Risk levels include:
Type 1 – Little Risk
Mostly boys, aged 3-7
Usually alone (in a closet, under a bed)
Type 2 – Definite Risk
Mostly boys, aged 7-12
Could be alone
Sudden change in life (move, death, divorce, school issues, etc)
Type 3 – Extreme Risk
Almost always boys
Usually aged 10-14 years old
History of school or social problems
Almost always alone
Visit Match Book Journal for Ideas
If your child has shown an interest or curiosity about fire, they need education about fire safety. It is estimated that up to 80% of children who start a fire, even accidently, will use fire again if they do not receive education from a fire educator.
The Coeur d Alene Fire Department offers a free, confidential education program for children who show curiosity about fire or have started a fire. You can reach one of our Fire Educators by calling 208-769-2340.