What is Youth Fire Misuse?
"Youth fire misuse" is any behavior involving the improper or
unapproved use of fire, including: juvenile firesetting, fire lighting,
juvenile arson, youth firesetting, child arson, fire play,
experimentation, playing with lighters or matches, and other
fire-related incidents (e.g. fireworks, explosives or bottle bombs,
pulling a false alarm, igniting aerosols or accelerants, observing
others misusing fire, etc.).
Is Youth Fire Misuse a Problem?
Yes. Fire Is Everyone's Fight! Although frequently
overlooked by society, youth fire misuse represents a significant
problem for families, schools, fire departments, and communities. Fire
misuse behaviors are associated with devastating costs, injuries, and
life-changing consequences. Many people are not aware that these
behaviors can also result in criminal charges, when in fact children
under 18 years old account for nearly 50% of all arson arrests in the
United States. (U.S. Department of Justice-FBI. Crime in the United
States: Uniform Crime Reports 2000 - 2011.) |