Firesetting behavior results in tremendous consequences for the citizens of our District, Illinois and the nation.  During the past 5 years in Illinois, more than 7,000 fires were set by children.  These fires resulted in 51 deaths, 668 firefighters and civilian injuries and more than $40 million in property damage.

A youthful fire-setter can be any child curious who is about fire, frequently plays with matches or lighters, or has set fires in or near the home.  This problem is not limited to a certain a race, gender or economic status. 

A youthful fire-setter usually exhibits multiple warning signs.  Warning signs may include setting one or more fires, difficulty with authority fires or school work, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, poor problem-solving skills, low self-esteem, no responsibility for their actions, and has the need to be with peers younger then themselves or may be loners.

Initial signs that parents can look for are burned matches, kids playing with lighters or evidence of small fires burning in or around the home.  If this behavior is not changed, young fire-setters often set larger and more dangerous fires as they get older.  Firesetting may begin as curiosity, but often leads to serious, intentional fire setting, which is arson.  Arson is one of the leading causes of fire deaths and injuries in the home.

Youthful fire-setting can be prevented when parents, teachers, firefighters, law enforcement authorities and all caregivers become aware of firesetting.  If you have a child who exhibits these signs of fire-setting behavior, please call for free, confidential help from the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District. 

For more information on this or any fire prevention matter, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 353-3030.