Arson Awareness Week: Preventing Youth Fire Setting in Royal Oak

Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed May 6-12 as Arson Awareness Week in Michigan with Prevent Youth Fire Setting as the theme.

“Fire in the hands of children can result in devastating consequences,” said State Fire Marshal Richard W. Miller in a news release.  “One of the best ways to help reduce firesetting by young people is to develop intervention and educational strategies through a collaborative effort among fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, schools, juvenile justice and social services.” 

By the numbers

According to the National Fire Protection Association fires started by children playing account for:

• 56,300 fires
• 110 civilian deaths
• 880 civilian injuries
• $286 million in direct property damage per year between 2005 and 2009

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Program reports:

• young people under age 18 accounted for roughly 46 percent of arson arrests in 2005-2010
• 40 percent of arson arrests were juveniles with 47.6 percent of those children under 16 years of age in 2010

Juvenile Fire-Setter Program in Royal Oak

The offers free counseling to Royal Oak families with any child or teenager who has been involved playing with matches or lighters, starting a fire, or has an interest in fire.

"If a parents have issues they are worried about, we are always willing to sit down at any time and talk to kids," said Royal Oak Fire Marshall Jim Cook.

Cook said the fire department typically reaches out to third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to discuss fire safety in October.

The Royal Oak Fire Department also offers a program called "Straight Talk,” which is presented by the University of Michigan Burn Center.

If you are concerned about a young person in Royal Oak, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (248) 246-3810.