Juvenile Firesetters - General Information

Juvenile Firesetter Intervention

About one in every four fires is intentionally set -- and almost half of these fires were set by youth under the age of 16.

Arson is a serious crime. It injures and kills people, destroys properties, and destabilizes neighborhoods.

According to the FBI, juvenile firesetters accounted for roughly half (at least 49%) or more of those arrested for arson -- for the ninth straight year.

In 2003, 51% of those arrested were under 18, nearly one-third were under the age of 15, and 3% were under the age of 10.

Studies have shown that the majority of normal children possess an interest in fire and nearly half have engaged in fire-play. For many young people, the attraction to fire leads to juvenile fire-play and Firesetting fire-starting activity that fire investigators determine to be short of arson. This behavior may be a precursor for the crime of arson.

Even though the majority of child-set fires are started out of curiosity, not malice, the damage they cause, both in economic and human costs, is real and devastating. Juvenile arson and youth-set fires result in over 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually, and $300 million in property damage and more than 400,000 incidents annually.

Juveniles who are involved in significant fires resulting in property loss, personal injury, or death can be arrested for the crime of arson. Several factors are taken into consideration for determining criminal intent, including the firesetter's age, the nature and extent of the individual's firesetting history, and the motive and intent behind the firesetting.

Legal definitions of arson vary from state to state. However, if there is sufficient evidence for intentional and malicious firesetting, then the juvenile can be charged with arson.

Characteristics of Firesetters

Juvenile firesetters fall into three general groups:

The first is made up of children, mainly boys, less than 7 years of age. Generally, fires started by these children are the result of accidents or curiosity.

In the second group of firesetters are children ranging in age from 8 to 12. Although the firesetting of some of these children is motivated by curiosity or experimentation, a greater proportion of their firesetting represents underlying psychosocial conflicts. They will continue to set fires until their issues are addressed and their needs are met.

The third group comprises adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. These youth tend to have a long history of undetected fire-play and firestarting behavior. Their current firesetting episodes are usually either the result of psychosocial conflict and turmoil or intentional criminal behavior. They have a history of school failure and behavior problems, and are easily influenced by their peers.

Children who set fires may have one or more of these characteristics:

  • Curiosity with fire
  • Lack of understanding fire’s danger
  • Recent change in family life (death, separation, divorce, move, abandonment)
  • Parental alcoholism or drug abuse
  • Attachment problems
  • History of behavioral problems (such as lying, stealing, truancy, bullying, cruelty to animals, and substance use)
  • Poor peer relationships and/or social isolation; being bullied
  • History of physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect
  • Bedwetting
  • Blaming others and/or unwilling to accept responsibility for one's own actions
  • Lack of empathy

What can Parents Do?

Unfortunately, families and even law enforcement personnel are often reluctant to take action on what they think (and hope) is a one-time occurrence. Law enforcement personnel sometimes fail to report incidents as crime and so the juvenile avoids intervention and/or prosecution. Sometimes families simply ignore the seriousness of the behavior.

However, ALL children who have engaged in fireplay or firesetting behavior need intervention. Even very young children who were just curious need to be educated on the dangers of fireplay so that they do not continue the behavior and grow up to be arsonists.

Here are some specific things that parents can do:

Parental Awareness

Take notice of your children. If they are using or carrying ignition material (matches, lighters) for no particular reason, talk with them and listen to them. Be aware of their moods, feelings, and relationships both within and outside the home.

Straight Talk

Talk to your children about the realities of the law. Fires that are set, can lead to the felony charge of Arson. This is a serious crime. Fire can destroy property, injure others, or take lives.

Adult Modeling

Set a good example. Most kids learn how to use fire by watching the adults around them (most often parents). If the behavior of adults does not show respect for fire, the behavior of children most certainly will not. Most kids learn how to relate to others and handle stress from their parents. How you live your life impacts greatly on how your children live their lives.

Access

Keep matches and lighters in a safe place, high and out of reach of young children. Lock them up if necessary.

Intervention

Don't ignore the obvious. When kids use fire in ways that are harmful or dangerous, problems will occur. Whether through education or an in-depth mental health evaluation, seek appropriate help before problems occur. Punishment, discipline, and "scare tactics" do not work. You will need the help, support, and guidance of a professional. Firesetting behavior will not stop without intervention.

Find Help

The fire department is often the best point of first contact when you need help with a child who is misusing fire. They can refer you to professionals who have experience working with juvenile firesetters. If that does not work, contact SOS Fires at 503-805-8482 or e-mail sosfire@sosfires.com