Mill Creek Crossing Neighborhood Association

Kids Playing With Fire: A Serious Neighborhood Concern

Mar 22, 2002

As we have recently seen in our neighborhood, kids playing with fire are a real danger. The US Fire Administration estimates that children of all ages set over 100,000 fires a year ?— 20,000 in homes ?— resulting in property losses of 300 million dollars. Worse, 300 people die yearly in blazes started by children playing with fire.

Children under five are curious about fire, and will play with fire if they can find a match or lighter lying around. They don?’t understand the dangers of fire, or how quickly it can spread. Older children (ages 5-17) start fires for different reasons. Some are bored, and some suffer from emotional or mental disturbances.
Often children who set fires are not properly supervised by parents or caregivers, with tragic consequences. The danger of kids and fires increases in the summer, when hot, dry days and bored kids on summer vacation interact, with potentially tragic consequences.

PARENTS: Teach your child about the dangers of fire, and control their access to fire sources. Practice fire safety in your home by inspecting your home for fire hazards, and installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of fire. Fight boredom by keeping your kids busy with sports and activities. The new Gale Fields Rec Center is VERY close to our neighborhood. They have a wide range of activities for people of all ages, at convenient times. Call 972-205-2000.

For more information on fire safety, contact the Garland Fire Department or visit the US Fire Administration?’s web page for dozens of pamphlets: www.usfa.fema.gov.