Fire setting is an extremely dangerous and often overlooked behavior. Although curiosity is a normal part of children's growth and development, parents who discover that a child is playing with fire should take it very seriously.

What parents can do:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms.
• Plan and practice home fire escape drills.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children; lock them up if necessary.
• Report all fires regardless of size to the fire department.
• Spend time with your children. Talk with them and listen to them. Set a good example. How you live your life impacts greatly on how your children live their lives. Talk to your children about the realities of the law. A fire that is set can lead to a felony charge of arson. This is a serious crime.
• Seek assistance if your child has started a fire or is playing with ignition sources.

Fire can destroy property, injure others, or take lives. You are responsible for damage caused by your child.

If your child has been using fire, help is available! Clark County provides no-cost fire setting intervention services for local families.

For more information, contact:
Jason Knoble, Deputy Fire Marshal
564.397.3318
jason.knoble@clark.wa.gov

Documents
Youth fire setting brochure