Signs & Risk Factors of a Youth Firesetter

Juvenile firesetting begins with a child's interest in fire which may lead to playing with fire. Without intervention, they will likely begin setting fires. To prevent this serious problem, parents, caregivers, schools and fire service professionals need to pay attention and know the signs and risk factors of juvenile firesetting.

Some Risk

The Child:

  • First time involvement
  • Lacking knowledge about dangers of fire
  • Lacking intent
  • Physical, cognitive and emotional development is normal
  • No evidence of psychiatric disturbance
  • School performance and behavior are normal

The Incident:

  • Uses matches or lighters
  • In or near home
  • Unsophisticated
  • Firestarts are unplanned, single episodes motivated by curiosity
  • Resulting fires are accidental
  • Feelings of guilt or remorse follow the incident

The Family:

  • Questionable parental modeling
  • Minor lapses in supervision

Definite Risk

The Child:

  • All age groups
  • Primarily, but not limited to, males
  • Poor social skills and peer relationships
  • Possible neurological limitations
  • May have set multiple fires
  • Firesetting may be related to stress/crisis
  • Possible history of physical or sexual abuse
  • Poor impulse control
  • Overwhelming feelings of anger

The Incident:

  • May use accelerants
  • Items burned may be symbolic
  • Firesetting is recurrent, purposeful and intentional
  • May not show remorse

The Family:

  • Home problems may be evident
  • Supervision lacking
  • Little understanding of dangers of fire
  • May have experienced recent stress/crisis
  • Chronic dysfunction

Extreme Risk

The Child:

  • Criminal implications may be present
  • May suffer from significant neurological limitations

The Incident:

  • Item burned may be symbolic
  • Injury potential and property loss is high
  • Firesetting is recurrent, purposeful and intentional
  • Other behaviors may be extreme

The Family:

  • Home problems may be evident
  • Supervision lacking
  • Little regard for dangers of fire
  • Ongoing stress/crisis may overwhelm family