WE CAN HELP

• Have you ever found your child playing with matches or lighters?
• Does your child have an unusual fascination with fire?
• Has your child ever intentionally or unintentionally started a fire without your permission?
• Does your child ask questions about fire that you find difficult to answer?

If any of these apply to your family, we can help. Contact the Oklahoma City Fire Department Community Risk Reduction office at (405) 297-3318 and ask for a member of the Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Program.

WHY YOUTH SET FIRES

There are many motives and factors influencing youth firesetting behaviors.
Some reasons a youth may set fires include,

• Curiosity
• Thrill seeking
• Cries for help
• Willful intent to cause destruction
• Mental or emotional disorders

Although curiosity with fire is normal, setting fires should not be considered “normal” behavior.

A youth may have easy access to lighters or matches, lack supervision, or lack proper fire safety training. Many youths have easy access to examples of unhealthy fire behaviors on the internet. These are all issues that we can work with your family to overcome.

EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER

We have Fire Officers on staff trained according to National Fire Protection Association 1035 – Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist I and II. We will speak with you and your child in a confidential environment. Intervention and education are free, nonpunitive, comprehensive, and effective.

Please call us today for more information. Remember, curiosity can lead to deadly consequences.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT