Juvenile Fire Education Program
The Juvenile Fire Education Program is dedicated to the proposition that the number of children and juveniles who play with matches can be reduced through education and intervention.
Established in 1980, the Juvenile Fire Education Program is supported by and housed in the Fresno Fire Department Headquarters. This is an educational intervention program for children and juveniles who play with matches. Trained professionals will assist in evaluating your child's firesetting behavior to determine if educational intervention will help, or if professional counseling is necessary to help eliminate further firesetting incidents.
Curiosity about fire is normal in children ages two to seven years, who often display an interest by lighting small fires or playing with matches, lighters, or candles. They tend to regard fire as something warm, bright, and exciting, and do not realize the painful and destructive consequences of fire play.
It is very important parents recognize the fact a child’s interest and curiosity about fire must be met with information and education as early as the child exhibits this need. Our ultimate goal is not only to stop the firesetting, but also to determine the underlying problem of such behavior.
If your child has been playing with fire, setting small fires, or if you are just concerned about his or her behavior with respect to fire, call the Fresno Fire Investigation section at 621-4181.