Fires reported by U.S. fire departments show that during the period of
2007 to 2011, youth playing with fire started 49,300 fires causing an
estimated 80 civilian deaths, 860 civilian injuries, and $235 million in
direct property damage. During that same time frame, an estimated 7,100 home structure fires involving
youth fireplay were reported to U.S. municipal fire departments resulting
in an estimated 77 civilian deaths, 750 civilian injuries, and $172 million
in property damage. Most home fires involving lighters or matches are started by children.
From 2007 to 2011, half of home playing structure fires (52 percent) had a
lighter as their heat source, and matches were used in 18 percent of fires.
Fires started by matches and lighters caused 82 percent of the civilian
deaths. (Campbell, 2014.)
In most cases Youth Firesetting goes unreported. Reporting Youth Firesetting can always get the youths and their family the help they need. We encourage anyone who is aware of a youth in need of help to report this to us by completing the form below.
Click here to submit a YOUTH FIRESETTER REFERRAL FORM