Q. Does my child have to had set a fire to go to your program?
A. No. We will educate any parent, guardian, or child in need of fire safety training.

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Q. Why do children play with fire?
A. There are several reasons why a child might play with fire. Some of these reasons include curiosity, attention-seeking behavior, anger, and peer pressure.

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Q. Isn't firesetting just a phase?
A. Firesetting is not just a phase. If a child is not taught fire safety, the firesetting can get out of control quickly. It is a dangerous behavior, and you can not afford to wait to change it.

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Q. Isn't playing with fire normal for children?
A. No. It is normal to be curious about fire, however, playing with fire is not. Playing with fire without a parent’s knowledge, approval, or supervision is dangerous.

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Q. Can a child control a small fire?
A. No. While most fires start small, fires can get out of control quickly. Fires can double in size every 30 seconds.

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Q. Is it true that if you burn a child's hand he or she will stop setting fires?
A. NO! Purposely burning a child’s hand IS child abuse, and is against the law. Burns only create fear, painful scars, and anger. The reason for starting the fire must be discovered and addressed.

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Q. What will happen to my child if he or she sets a fire?
A. A child can be hurt or killed by playing with fire. Child-set fires cause 1,900 injuries, 150 deaths, and $272 million in property damage every year. In addition to property and life losses, there are legal consequences. Parents or guardians are liable for the damage caused by child-set fires, and children could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the fire.

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Q. Will taking my child to a burn unit help?
A. Going to a burn unit only instills fear, and does not teach the child anything about fire or fire safety. We should not be putting burn victims on display; they are there trying to recuperate, and there are better ways to teach our children how to be fire safe.

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