An educational program that was developed to provide assistance to families in Hamilton that have children conducting fireplay and/or firesetting behaviour. The education session is typically conducted in the child’s home with the parent/guardian present and includes an age appropriate overview of various aspects of fire safety such as:
- Matches and lighters are tools, not toys
- Knowing how to escape safely from fire (i.e. Fire drills and escape plans)
- Burns
- Firefighters and their role in the community
The duration of the education session is typically 1 to 1½ hours in length, depending on the child’s age and their level of participation. A follow-up phone call is made one month after the education session to determine if there have been any further known incidents of fireplay or firesetting behaviour.
55 King William St
Hamilton, ON
L8R
Children and youth who have engaged in fireplay and/or firesetting behaviours.
Fireplay:
- Fascination with fire or fire emergencies
- Playing with matches or lighters
- Burning various items such as paper, toys, etc.
- Experimenting with accelerants (i.e. Gasoline)
Firesetting:
-
Deliberately starting fires (i.e. In garbage dumpsters or in buildings)
To schedule an appointment call 905-546-2424 x1380 or use the link online to submit information.
Parents/guardians can request this program on behalf of their child. Referrals can also be made by our own by fire suppression staff or from partner agencies such as Police, Children’s Aid Society, school principals, mental health professionals, etc.