Juvenile Fire Setters
Note: The information on this page provided courtesy of the Worcester County (MD) Fire Marshal’s Office.
Many children set fires out of curiosity. But some of the children will learn that fire is a powerful tool to gain attention or enact revenge. Other children believe that if their first fire doesn't get out of control, they can control it.
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Most experts agree that the best way to understand a child's fire setting is by looking at the age of the child and the reason for the behavior. There are three categories of fire setting, and for each a different strategy is used to stop the behavior.
Curiosity Fire Setting |
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Problem Fire Setting |
(Ages 5 to 12) |
Delinquent Fire Setting |
(Age 10 to 18) |
Curiosity Fire Setting
The child is usually between 3 and 10 years old and is almost always a boy.
They prefer to spend time alone and may be hyperactive.
The child is curious and plays with fire to learn about it. Fires are usually set in a closet or under a bed. The child will usually panic if the fire gets out of control. Fires set can cause major damage or even death.
Treatment at this stage is fire safety education.
Problem Fire Setting
The child is usually between 5 and 12 years old and is almost always a boy. They may have a history of school and social problems. Recent changes in life or suffering from stress or injury are common.
The fire is usually random or ritualized and located in or around the home.
There is often no clear cut reason for fire setting. This could be used as a "Cry for Help."
They will continue in this behavior until stress is relieved or they are taught safer ways to cope. There is a very high chance of repeat fire setting.
Treatment at this stage involves professional counseling and fire safety education.
Delinquent Fire Setting
The child is usually between the ages of 10 and 18 years old. They can be both boys and girls and are almost always in a group.
The fire is usually at an outdoor location and could involve dumpsters, grass or other vandalism type fires.
The child tends sets the fires to impress their peers, out of boredom, or to be defiant.
Treatment at this stage involves professional counseling, restitution and fire safety education.