Juvenile Firesetters

Needs Assessment

Some parents may feel that their child's firesetting behavior is not a big deal, minimizing the event by saying or thinking:

• "it was only one match" 

• "boys will be boys" 

• "it didn't burn anything down."

• " I did it when I was a kid "

Before falling into that mindset, understand that every fire starts small. 

The following list of questions, when answered honestly, can help provide a parent some direction or idea as to the seriousness of the child's behavior.

Read the questions below, if you answer yes to any of the following questions, we recommendation that you contact us, or your local fire department, for a personal evaluation with a Juvenile Firesetter Interventionist to discuss your family's specific situation.

This is a needs assessment and not a risk assessment.

1. Has your child misused fire tools (i.e. lighter play or match play) or set a fire?

2. Is your child impulsive, acting before considering consequences?

3. Has anything traumatic happened recently or prior to the incident?

4. Has your child lied or denied their involvement in the firesetting?

5. Was your child embarrassed and afraid of the consequences when caught?

6. Is your child fascinated with fire?

7. Did the child try to control and/or put out the fire?

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue   |   20665 SW Blanton St. Aloha, OR 97007   |   Tel. 503-649-8577   Fax. 503-642-4814