The purpose of this program is to identify risk levels in children under the age of 16 and provide support through education for all persons involved. National studies have found that children under the age of five (5) accounts for the highest number of people killed in child-related fire play incidents.
In fatal home fires caused by children three of five children set fire to bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture or clothing. Child fire play incidents accounted for 41,900 fires, 165 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries per year. Fifty-five percent of all persons arrested for arson are children under the age of 16.
After a juvenile fire setter is identified; the intervention program will supply a trained juvenile fire-setter intervention specialist to assess the child’s motivation for fire setting and to assist the family to find the ongoing services they may need.