Juvenile Fire Awareness
Young people, matches, lighters and fire are a deadly mix - so why do young people light fires?
There are several reasons:
- a fascination with or curiousity about, the colour, light and energy released by flames.
- attention seeking behaviour that manifests through fire lighting. This may be in response to a change in their family situation or pressures resulting from learning or social difficulties.
- peer pressure is a common cause of fire lighting and is generally associated with low self-esteem.
- anger and revenge associated with family or friendship problems can trigger fire lighting.
- fires resulting from malicious or mischievous behaviour can be caused by a young person who is experiencing family or social difficulties.
Younger children tend to light fires in and around their homes. They rarely intend to cause damage with fire, while the adolescent is more likely to light fires away from the home. They experiment with explosives and aerosols and may be more motivated by peers.
The Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Program (JFAIP) began in response to the joint concerns of the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire and Emeregnecy Services Board (MFB) and the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH).
The MFB approached Professor Robert Adler at the RCH for guidance and assistance in the establishment of a program for children/young people who light fires.
It was agreed that both the MFB and RCH develop an intervention program that would systematically be evaluated and provided by specially trained operational firefighters.
The program is tailored towards the individual needs of the young person.
The firefighter aims to develop within the young person a greater respect for fire and awareness of consequences of its misuse. Importantly, at the same time, the benefits of fire are explained and the young person is taught that fire is a “tool, not a toy”.
The Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Program is:
- Age and maturity based
- Delivered in your own home
- Free of charge
- Strictly confidential
All Victorian children between the ages of 4 and 17 are eligible to participate in JFAIP.
The program is voluntary (unless it is a condition of a court order) and no child/young person is denied access to the program (unless otherwise directed by their mental health professional).
If you have discovered burnt matches or papers, if you suspect that your child is involved in fire setting or fireplay, or if you need advice or assistance regarding your childs firelighting, please contact the JFAIP State-Coordinator on 1300 309 988 or email jfaipoffice@mfb.vic.gov.au
Download
JFAIP Brochure (230.05 kb)
JFAIP Poster (616.59 kb)
JFAIP Program Profile (260.58 kb)
Child's Play article - from the September 2008 issue of Fire Risk Management (475.60 kb)