News Details

Arson Awareness Week Targets Youth Fire Starters

The Aurora Fire Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Fire Administration has announced that the theme for the 2012 Arson Awareness Week of May 6-12 is Prevent Youth Firesetting.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires started by children playing with fire accounted for an average of 56,300 fires between 2005 and 2009. These fires resulted in approximately 100 deaths and 900 injuries, and caused an estimated $286 million in property damage.

Fire in the hands of children is devastating, regardless of a child’s age or motive. It is imperative that we do everything possible to prevent youth firesetting and protect the nation’s most valuable resource - our children.

Parents should teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, ideally locked, cabinets. Set a good example by safely using matches, lighters, and fire. The most important thing a parent or caregiver can do is to always supervise young children and be watchful for a child’s unusual preoccupation with fire. The Aurora Fire Department has a Juvenile Firesetter Team in place with trained personnel available to evaluate a child’s likelihood of setting a fire and to refer parents to the proper source for further counseling if necessary.

To contact a Juvenile Firesetter Counselor, please call (630) 256-4000.

Location: Aurora, Illinois