Arson Awareness

Arsonists Come in All Sizes

Arson comes in two sizes, large and small. While it’s difficult to picture a cuddly three-year-old felon who swaps Tickle Me Elmo for a pack of matches, 54-percent of all fires are set by children according to the United States Fire Administration. Annually, arson destroys $2 billion in property and 700 lives.

We’ll deal with the larger variety first. It’s nearly as difficult to defend against arson as it is to defend against random muggings, but here are a few recommendations:

• Don’t make it easy. Keep leaves, firewood and any combustibles away from buildings on your property.
• Keep doors and windows locked whenever a building is unoccupied.
• Change locks or retain keys from employees or associates who no longer have a need for them. A disgruntled employee or former friend may choose arson for revenge. If a parting of the ways is particularly nasty, change locks whether you get your keys back or not.
• The same precautions you might take against burglary–security lights, alarms, etc.–could deter an arson. A sprinkler system and/or smoke alarm with an exterior alarm will also help.
• Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood or rural community.

Child Arsonists

Now for the pint-sized arson. According to experts, fire setting by children falls into four categories basically defined by age and motivation.

Curiosity Fire Setters are usually boys between 3- and 7-years old. As the name implies, the reason is simple curiosity. These fires are set in his hiding places: a closet, under the bed, wherever he feels hidden. Matches and lighters are the weapon of choice with whatever combustibles are available. This year’s Arson Awareness Week, in early May, focused on novelty lighters made to look like motorcycles, guns, etc. A child knows a toy when he sees one and these types of lighters give some credibility to the idea of “playing” with fire. The greatest danger of this type of fire setting is that the child may panic and probably flee the site. Afraid to tell a parent or caretaker what he’s done, the fire could go from fairly harmless to dangerous in a short time. The best way to deal with this type of fire setting is fire safety education.

Crisis Fire Setting focuses on symbolic fuels, someone’s possessions or a significant location. The arsonists are, again, boys from 5 to 10 who are under stress and in trouble. The experts identify these fires are “cries for help” from a child too young to voice his frustrations. The chances of this behavior continuing are great, at least until the child receives counseling or develops better coping skills.

Delinquent Fire Setting involves groups of girls and boys from 10 to 14. The sites are generally outdoors. This form of arson is an off-shoot of the kind of vandalism that should express itself by toilet papering someone’s front yard. Restitution and fire safety education are the best remedies.

Problem Fire Setting requires serious counseling. The setters are boys, from 7- to 12-years old, with a history of problems and aggressive behavior. The target is usually in or near the home and the chances of recurrence are high.

Some of the warning signs include evidence of fire play: burnt matches, clothing or other combustibles and the smell of smoke in the child’s hair or clothing. Some children will show an inappropriate interest in firefighters or fire trucks and place frequent calls to the fire department or 911. Matches or lighters in the child’s room or pockets is another sign. Also, asking or trying to light cigarettes or candles for adults.

If you know or suspect your child is setting fires and is past the curiosity stage, don’t assume the phase will pass. Talk to your child, teach him about fire safety and get counseling if necessary.

Tagged as: Arson Awareness