Fire Officials Focus on Youth Awareness

Fairfax county firefighters are putting the focus on preventing children from starting fires as part of the national Arson Awareness Week taking place this now.bhj

The Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Program, which under the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department works to prevent children from being involved with fires. They work with police, school, and mental health officials to prevent youth firesetting.

According to the fire department, younger children are more likely to set fires in homes, while older children are more likely to set fires outside.

The fire department offers these prevention tips:             

• Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.
• Raise your child to practice responsible behavior and show respect for fire.
• Set a good example; use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior.

The county’s last major fire was started by a child playing with a candle in an upstairs bedroom in the Dranesville area on April 26, which caused more than $300,000 in property damage. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

To read over pamphlets concerning fire safety education, visit the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department page.