Firefighters: Help Us Prevent Youth Firesetting

May 6-12, 2012 is Arson Awareness Week in the United States, with a focus to "Prevent Youth Firesetting" - and for good reason.

Nationwide between 2005 - 2009, "fires started by children playing" accounted for a staggering yearly average of:

• 56,300 fires
• 110 civilian deaths
• 880 civilian injuries
• $286 million in direct property damage.

In 2010, according to the FBI, 40% of arson arrests were juveniles with 47.6% of those children under 16 years of age.

Parents need to teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Matches and lighters must be kept far out of reach, ideally in a high, locked cabinet. Along with providing constant supervision, adults and caregivers must offer positive examples whenever using fire and fire-starting tools.

Learn more about protecting your family and community from youth firesetting at:

usfa.fema.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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