Juvenile Fire Setters Program

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:

1. 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

  2. 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

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.