Helping Children Develop Safe Fire Habits

Children are naturally curious, and many experiment with matches, lighters, candles, or other sources of fire. While curiosity is common, playing with fire can quickly lead to serious injuries, property damage, or loss of life.

The National City Fire Department's Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program helps children and their families understand the dangers of fire through education, guidance, and early intervention. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future fire-setting behavior by promoting safe choices and responsible fire safety practices.

Who Should Participate?

This program may be appropriate for children who have:

• Played with matches, lighters, or fireworks
• Experimented with fire
• Intentionally started a small fire
• Demonstrated an unusual interest or curiosity about fire
• Been referred by a parent, school, law enforcement agency, or the Fire Department

What to Expect

The program is designed to educate both children and parents through age-appropriate fire safety instruction and discussion. Topics may include:

• The dangers and consequences of playing with fire
• Fire safety at home
• Safe behavior around matches and lighters
• The importance of smoke alarms and home escape planning
• Strategies for preventing future fire-setting behavior

Parents or guardians are encouraged to participate in the program to reinforce fire-safe behaviors at home.

Our Goal

The purpose of the Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program is to educate, not punish. Early intervention helps children understand the serious consequences of fire while providing families with the tools and resources needed to prevent future incidents.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are concerned about a child's fire-setting behavior or would like more information about the Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program, please contact the Fire Prevention Division.

Phone: (619) 336-4550

Email: fire@nationalcityca.gov

Referrals may be made by parents or guardians, schools, law enforcement agencies, or the National City Fire Department.