The issue of juvenile fire setting is one that has come to the attention of the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as the number of incidences of juvenile fire setting and juvenile arson has increased in the last few years.

With this in mind, we developed a Juvenile Firesetter Program to identify and educate youth, particularly children ages 2-14, involved in fire-related incidents, and we wanted to tell you about it. The program involves identification and intervention.

Identification begins with folks who may encounter fire setting behavior, i.e. fire service personnel, teachers, parents, etc. When a fire occurs that involves a juvenile playing with or setting fires, the Juvenile Firesetter Program can be utilized by calling (530) 310-2226. You will need to provide information about the incident and provide contact information for the family. I will make contact with the family and schedule screening interviews. The screening interview consists of a series of questions designed to learn more about the incident, the family’s response to the incident and to measure their knowledge of fire safety. Once the interviews are completed, the intervention begins.

The type of intervention depends upon the circumstances of the incident. Though some incidents require legal action, there is often the need for basic fire prevention education. I will work with the family to provide the education needed to teach the child and the family about fire safety, the dangers of fire, and the potential consequences of the choices they make about the use of fire.

We hope this new program will be effective for our community. If you would like to know more about the Juvenile Firesetter Program, please call me at (530) 294-5289 or (530) 310-2226.

Leah Sandberg
Fire Prevention Specialist