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Introduction

to Child &

Adolescent

Firesetting

Lisa Van HornSeattle Fire Department, Fire Prevention DivisionSOS FIRES, Youth Intervention Programs

The Problem Fire and burns are the leading causes of unintentional home

injury death for 1 to 14 year olds, and the second leading

cause of death for children less than one. (Burn Institute, 2009)

There were an estimated 13,900 child-play structure fires

reported in 2002, with 210 deaths, 1,250 injuries, and $339

million in direct damage. (U.S. Fire Administration, 2006)

The Problem

Over 50% of all arrests for arson in the United States involve juveniles under the age of 18 (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2007).

Of those juveniles arrested for arson, 33% were under the age of 15 (OJJDP, 2007).

The Problem

Property damage from juvenile-set structure fires was $328 million during 2006 (NFPA, 2009).

School fires account for over $200 million loss annually. More than half are intentionally set (NFPA, 2009).

The bigger the fire, the more serious the firesetting. Juveniles who set fires are pyromaniacs. Juveniles who set fires have an urge or obsession with fire or

deep emotional problems. Firesetting is related to bedwetting and cruelty to animals. Firesetting is a difficult behavior to treat. Playing with fire is a normal part of a child’s development

that they will grow out of (boys will be boys) Punishing or scaring juveniles will make them stop playing

with fire.

Common Myths & Misunderstandings

None of the above statements are accurate assumptions.

Characteristics of Firesetting

Gender Mostly males (>75%) Increasing percentage

for females 13-17 years

AgeAny, but spikes at: Mid-late toddlerhood (3-5)—increased

cognitive curiosity, motor skill development, power struggles w/parents

Early adolescence (12-15)—experimental behavior, peer influence, independence through defying authority

Characteristics of Firesetting

Family Characteristics

Any, but greater likelihood of:

Minimal problem-solving abilities.

Lack of structure & rule enforcement in the home.

Greater chance of parental discord.

Higher levels of problem history

(domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse).

Characteristics of Firesetting

Psychiatric Diagnosis (DSM-IV, APA 1994*)

Firesetting may occur more often in children with:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Conduct Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS

*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)American Psychiatric Association, 1994

Characteristics of Firesetting

A Note About Typology

No consistent “profile” has been found of a child or

adolescent who sets fires. It can be any child.

There is considerable diversity among the children, and their families, who are involved in

firesetting behavior.

Typologies are best viewed as a way of framing the possible motivation for

firesetting, and organizing the proper intervention

response.

Typologies are not particularly useful in an intervention

program protocol. Response designators of “simple” and

“complex” may be more appropriate.

Firesetting Typologies

Curiosity

Expressive

Delinquent

Strategic

Pathological

Characteristics Often preschool and elementary age children. The most common firesetting typology All family types, ethnicity, socio-economic levels Motivation is curiosity and experimentation.

Curiosity Firesetting

Influencing Factors: Exposure to fire activity (caregivers may

smoke, use a fireplace, etc.) Access to fire starting materials Lack of supervision Lack of structured time Lack of fire safety education Parenting abilities may be limited

Curiosity Firesetting

Behavior exhibited: Typically use matches or lighters Burn items easily found in the home Younger children set fires in hidden locations (closet, under

bed). May try to extinguish (older) or ignore (younger) the fire. Without intervention, will often repeat the behavior.

Curiosity Firesetting

SeattleFire set by five year old boy playing with novelty lighter while mother slept. Eight people displaced.

SeattleDouble fatality fire by five year old boy playing with lighter while mother slept.

SeattleFire caused by teen lighting fireworks outside a family home daycare.

Expressive Firesetting

Characteristics: All ages, but usually pre-teen or older All family types, ethnicity, socio-

economic levels Motivators-psychological pain, anger,

revenge, need for attention.

Influencing Factors: Limited family support

and/or involvement Recent stress or crisis Access to matches/lighters Inappropriate supervision Unable to identify or

express feelings in constructive manner

Lack of problem solving skills

Expressive Firesetting

Behavior exhibited: May be multiple, progressive firesetting Often have little remorse May or may not try to put the fire out May lie about or deny involvement Fires may be symbolic of the situation

Expressive Firesetting

SeattleBed fire set by young boy assessed with complex firesetting behavior.

SeattleHouse fire started by 14 year old girl with gasoline in response to family situation.

SeattleSchool fires, seemingly minor, started by youths later assessed as complex firesetters with significant emotional issues. Referred for psychological evaluation and mental health follow-up.

Characteristics Usually teenaged Often carry a lighter at all

times for no good reason Fire may involve

accelerant/flammable liquids

Commonly seen as school fires, dumpsters, fireworks

Delinquent Firesetting

Influencing Factors: Limited family support and/or involvement Often risk-takers or kids who complain of being

bored Lack good judgment and social skills There is often peer pressure or peer involvement--

may brag about it Don’t understand the possible legal consequences.

Delinquent Firesetting

School dumpster fire

Flammable liquid fire

SeattleGroup of adolescent boys shot a bottle rocket onto neighbor’s front porch.

SeattlePort-a-potty fire

Strategic Firesetting

Characteristics Usually teenaged May use fire to get even or to

attack someone—premeditated. Usually in trouble at home,

school and work Uncooperative, no remorse Set to harm or destroy, often well

planned and sophisticated. Often associated with peers or

gangs. May have police record.

SeattleIntentionally set fire on porch of targeted household.

SeattleStolen vehicle fire. Likely juvenile gang related.

Pathological Firesetting

Characteristics Usually teenaged Rare, with medical or neurological considerations Usually long history of firesetting and psycho-social problems Often methodical and purposeful fires May show a distinctive pattern, even ritualistic Often proud of it, and will gladly show their scars May have many fire-related materials like matches, lighters,

candles, etc. Social problems, difficulty establishing relationships May present as expressive firesetter when young

What Works to Stop

Firesetting?

Things we know that don’t stop firesetting

Seattle’sInterventionModel

EffectiveIntervention

to stop firesetting behavior

IDENTIFY YOUTHwho show unsafe fire behavior

Perform an accurate FIRE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Involve a COMMUNITY NETWORK of referral sources & service providers.

Provide quality FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION.

Provide qualityBEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Conduct follow-ups to TRACK RESULTS.

05

101520253035404550

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

Recidivism Rate

Assessments

COMMONFACTORSaddressed with fire safety education

Low or inaccurateFIRE KNOWLEDGE

Lack of FIRE SAFETY information

Awareness of CONSEQUENCES

Responsible choice-making skills

SHOULD BE

FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION

Appropriate for age & developmental level

Do-able & targeted to knowledge gaps

Relevant to the learners

Culturally competent

Focused on improving fire safety

Provide the tools to learn & practice fire safety

CHALLENGE?

Lisa Van HornSOS Fires.org

lisajvanhorn@gmail.com