Refer or Report a Child's Fire Setting Activity

The mission of the FireWatch Program is to reduce the fire setting activities of youth in Middlesex County by:

• Identification
  
• Education
  
• Referral for Treatment

If concerned or suspect a child is setting fires, call "FireWatch" at 732-745-4049, Monday-Friday at 9 am-4 pm.

Fire Setting Myths

• Myth: "It is normal for children to play with fire."
  Fact: While curiosity about fire is common, fire play or setting is not, and it can be deadly.
• Myth: "It is a phase that he will grow out of."
  Fact: It is not a phase. You must deal with it immediately or it will continue.
• Myth: "If you burn his hand, they will stop."
  Fact: If you burn your child, they will be scarred, that's all. You must address the real reason for the fire before the child will stop.

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Referrals 

Purpose of the Interview

There are three types of fire setting, and a different strategy is used to stop each type. The interviewer's questions help identify which type, in order to make a good recommendation about education or counseling.

Prevent Most Fire Setting

1. Teach very young children that fire is a tool we use to cook food or heat the home. It is not magic. It is dangerous and only for adults to use carefully. (Use the example of driving a car or using power tools.)
2. Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of very young children. Even a 2-year-old can easily work a cigarette lighter.
3. Have children bring matches to you and reward them or praise them when they do.
4. If an older child is curious about matches, show him the proper and safe way to use them. Explain why it is important to use matches only when needed and with an adult present.
5. Set a good example: Always be careful with matches and fire. Keep homes fire safe and let your children help you.