NCJ Number
88781
Date Published
1981
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Children's fascination with fire can often have tragic results, as this film shows in interviews with the Clarke family of Huntington Beach, Calif., who lost four children in a house fire accidentally set by children. Ways to prevent similar tragedies are explained.
Abstract
Fire is a toy that ignites a child's curiosity. This fascination can begin as early as 3 years of age. Parents should be aware of firesetting behavior in their children. Children who set more than one fire, who have behavioral and school problems, or who have difficulty communicating often form the profile of the child firesetter. In an on-film interview with the boy who may have started the Clarke family fire and with his parents, a psychiatrist exposes some of these behavioral problems that should stand out as warning signals to all parents. Parents must be taught how to instruct children in the proper use of fire; fire department resources can be helpful here.