More Information
Children set fires for many reasons, including intimidation, curiosity, peer pressure, crisis situations and imitating an adult. The following is a list of "red flags" or indicators that your child may have a serious firesetting problem. If your child has set more than one fire or has had more than one incident of fireplay and one or more of the following, you are encouraged to seek professional intervention and help.
- Recent changes in behavior
- Attention deficits, temper tantrums, mood swings, impulsive behavior or excessive anger
- Problems at school, such as discipline, learning problems or unexplained absences
- Other troublesome behaviors, such as stealing, lying and drug or alcohol use
- Deliberate efforts to collect fire materials
- Failed to get help to extinguish fire
- Shows extreme curiosity about fire
- Recent losses due to health, divorce, loss of friendships, moves, etc.
- History of being abused or neglected
- Sad, withdrawn appearance
- Poor self-esteem
- Family stresses
- Daydreams about fire
- Boasts about fire sets
- Aggressive behavior toward people or animals
- Behaviors indicating they are a loner, a risk-taker or a fighter
- Fire set deliberately to harm others or to destroy property
- Fire set out of anger or in response to a family problem
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Coordinator, Captain Kim Scott at: Phone: 970.453.2474 | Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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