Curiosity about fire is common among children and teens, but unsafe fire-setting behavior can lead to serious consequences for individuals, families, and the community. The Statesville Fire Department is committed to early intervention, education, and prevention when it comes to youth fire misuse.
This page provides resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners to help identify concerning behaviors, understand risk factors, and guide young people toward safe decision-making.
Through awareness, education, and support, we can work together to reduce fire-related incidents and keep our community safe.
As children grow older, curiosity and risk-taking behaviors can increase. Youth fire misuse prevention resources are designed to help identify unsafe behaviors, promote responsible decision-making, and prevent fire-related incidents before they occur. These resources focus on education, early awareness, and guidance to support safer choices at home, at school, and in the community.
The City of Statesville Fire Department is committed to reducing fire-related injuries, property damage, and repeat incidents through prevention, education, and early intervention. Working collaboratively with families, schools, and community organizations, the department focuses on addressing concerning behaviors before they escalate.
Our Commitment to Youth Fire Misuse Prevention
The Statesville Fire Marshal’s Office offers the Youth Firesetter Prevention & Intervention Program to help address dangerous curiosity or misuse of fire among children and teens. This program emphasizes early identification, education, and appropriate intervention to reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and future fire-setting behavior. Through collaboration with parents, teachers, counselors, and local support agencies, the program guides youth toward positive choices while helping build safer homes, schools, and neighborhoods for everyone.
This resource from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers practical information to help adults understand why children may be drawn to fire and how to reduce risks through supervision, education, and safe storage practices. Topics include recognizing warning signs, setting clear boundaries, and reinforcing fire safety at home.
Sean’s Story is a powerful fire safety education resource that shares the real-life consequences of unsafe fire behavior.
Through personal storytelling, this resource helps reinforce the seriousness of fire misuse and encourages thoughtful decision-making among youth, with guidance for parents and educators on how to discuss these topics.
