Did you know that West Metro Fire Rescue offers a non-punitive Youth Fire Setting Intervention class?

Our intervention team offers youth & their caretaker/family the opportunity to:

• Openly discuss their fire-setting behavior.
• Receive fire-based education to ensure they understand the serious consequences that can result when misusing fire.
• Practice good decision-making and what it takes to take accountability for their actions.

Our mission is to prevent future misuse of fire through education - encouraging confidence, proactive thinking, and helping the youth understand the severe consequences fire can have, even if the result was unintended.

WHEN TO REFER :  * drawing fire obsessively * talking about plans to use/misuse fire *  burning during a fire ban * has started a or many fires inside or outside without adult supervision * any fire-related play/obsession &/or lack of understanding consequences 

West Metro Fire Rescue accepts referrals from: Caregivers/Parents, Schools, & Law / Justice Agencies.

 CLICK HERE TO SEND US A REFERRAL

Curiosity is normal. Setting fires is not normal behavior.

Learn more about why kids set fires and information regarding fire safety and youth fire setters on the National Fire Protection Administration’s website. 

Teaching Children Fire Safety:

 The most critical message for children to learn is that lighters and matches are tools, not toys!  Parents and caregivers should never use lighters, matches, and fire for fun.  Children will mimic you, and when they do it unsupervised, tragic events can result.
Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire. Set a good example for safe use of fire.

• Always supervise young children.
• Keep lighters or matches out of the reach of children (ex: locked cabinet)
• Use child-resistant lighters, but remember that they are not child proof.
• Instruct young children to inform an adult if they find lighters or matches and if they ever see other young people playing with them. Find an adult you trust.