National Arson Awareness Week

SUMMIT COUNTY - As part of National Arson Awareness Week, local fire authorities are advising that parents talk to their children about fire safety and clearly define the dangers associated with toylike lighters.

Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look just like toys, taking the shape of animals, miniature cars, markers, or dolls.

"We really try to teach kids about fire safety starting when they are in the preschool," said Captain Kim Scott at Red, White & Blue Fire District in Breckenridge. "Kids can become really curious about fire and there are so many dangerous ramifications with that curiosity."

Juvenile arson can be devastating, and residents in Lakewood recently saw how real it can be after two 15-year-old students set fire to the Bear Creek High School gymnasium causing $2.5 million in damages.

"Like guns, fire is just as dangerous and fire safety education teaches kids to be aware of the fact that their decisions have consequences," said Scott.

According to Scott, fire safety education should start at home and parents need to realize that children mimic what they see. Therefore, things like lighting birthday candles or campfires should be treated as an educational opportunity so children learn proper safety procedures.

"Parents should teach their children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys," said Scott. "Saying things like 'only an adult can do this' teaches kids to be more cautious."

In an effort to keep Summit County kids educated about fire safety, Red, White & Blue Fire facilitates monthly classes at local middle schools to inform students on the consequences of playing with fire.

"So far we have been good at preventing any big stuff but there is always room to grow," Scott added.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most child-playing home fires are started with lighters or matches and the median age of children who start those fires is 5-years-old.



Ashley Dickson can be reached at (970) 668-4629, or at adickson@summitdaily.com.