Juvenile Firesetter Program
The Burnaby Fire Department has recognized Juvenile Firesetting as a serious problem. Firesetting can begin at a very early age and may continue into adulthood. Recognition and intervention early can greatly reduce the risk of future firesetting incidences. The process of intervention begins with education.
Here at the Burnaby Fire Department children are exposed to the life skills of fire safety as young as 2 years old. Through our Pre-school program, child care facilities are requested to participate first with our teaching materials, and then a follow-up visit to one of our fire stations.
The Juvenile Firesetter Program itself is designed as a voluntary program. It is based on a strict protection of the privacy for the youth and the family. Through our interview process it is determined whether the child requires fire education, or if counselling is the key. The fire department only provides the education, and the counselling is referred to the appropriate agency. Once again, the counselling is a voluntary action.
Characteristics of a Juvenile Firesetter
A key function is to determine between normal, curiosity-related fire behaviour, and abnormal or problem behaviours.
Curiosity Firesetter (these are only guidelines)
Typically, curiosity firesetters are young boys between the ages of three and ten years. Their motivation for lighting fires may include boredom, lack of parental supervision, access to matches and lighters, as well as an overall curiosity about fire.
Because curiosity can lead to more serious firesetting, early recognition and detection are critical. They respond well to intervention.
Problem Firesetters (these are only guidelines)
Problem firesetters tend to be older males between the ages of seven and eighteen years. Typically this group is of average intelligence, may have some learning difficulties and often demonstrates poor academic and behavioural adjustment.
Referral for professional counselling is necessary, as the underlying problems of these children must be addressed in order to alter their firesetting behaviour.
For more information please contact us at 604.294.7551.
