Firesetting Prevention Resource Kit
Youth fire misuse represents a significant national problem. Sadly, it is often not until extensive losses, catastrophic costs, devastating injuries, or life-changing consequences occur before adults recognize that a child needs help. Nearly half of all arson arrests in the U.S. involve youth. Not commonly known, in many states children can be sentenced as adults for their firesetting/arson, imprinting them with a permanent criminal record. Use Sean and current media stories as examples to increase awareness and better prepare our communities to realize the importance of addressing youth fire misuse behaviors before it's "too late." For more information, read the article "Are You Listening Now?: The Million Dollar Cry for Help" by Karla S. Klas, BSN, RN, CCRP.
Note: The following list of stories is being provided as a historical example of the scope of the YFS problem in our communities (i.e., the list is not being regularly updated). For more current news stories, use an online search engine.
Teenage arson suspect transferred from Snyder County prison: http://www.dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1760097471/Teenage-arson-suspect-transferred-from-Snyder-County-prison
Livermore: Teen arrested as suspect in string of arson fires: http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_25931258/livermore-teen-arrested-suspect-string-arson-fires
Juvenile, Adult Arrested for Starting Small Brush Fires in Escondido: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Junevnile-Adults-arrested-trying-to-start-fire-escondido-259485711.html
Student arrested following fire: http://www.sturgisjournal.com/article/20140404/NEWS/140409446
Cop Declared Brain Dead After Blaze Set by 'Bored Teen': http://nypost.com/2014/04/08/cop-declared-brain-dead-after-being-trapped-in-fire-set-by-bored-teen/
Two teens cited in fire at former elementary school in Del Paso Heights: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/07/6304061/two-teens-cited-in-fire-at-former.html
Two teenage girls charged with arson after setting fire in Marietta, police say: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/05/two_teenage_girls_charged_with.html
Student Arrested on Suspicion of Setting Fires at Elk Grove High School: http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-sacramento/student-arrested-on-suspicion-of-setting-fires-at-elk-grove-high-school/25195944
2 Teens Arrested on Arson Charge Following Kohl's Fire: http://www.nbc29.com/story/25067149/2-teens-arrested-on-arson-charge-following-kohls-fire
8th Grade Student Arrested for Setting Fire in School Bathroom: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/maryland/2014/04/04/fire-spring-ridge-middle-school-md/7303205/