History has shown that children and fire can be a fatal combination.  TVF&R responds to this issue by providing services to families who are affected by a youth who has misused fire.  Services include education, intervention, and mental health referrals to any family who has had past or present firesetting behaviors.

Novelty Lighters
Over the years toy-like lighters have been manufactured and sold to the public. Children tend to be attracted to these lighters because they look like toys.  In 2009, Oregon passed a law banning the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of toy-like lighters.  This was a significant step in helping keep our children and community safe and injury-free.  Oregon passes law to ban novelty lighters.  

What to Do if your Child is Experimenting with Fire

1. Keep matches and lighters locked up so children do not have access to them.
2. Explain the dangers of fire to your child.
3. Model fire safe behaviors.
4. Supervise your children when they are around candles, campfires, fireplace fires, barbecues, stoves, etc.
5. Keep lighter fluid, gasoline, white gas, and propane locked up out of the reach of children.
6. Take fire experimentation and firesetting seriously. If you do nothing, there is a good chance that the behavior will continue and escalate. Property damage, injury, or loss of life could be a result.
7. If there is a fire, quickly leave the building and call 9-1-1 from a safe telephone such as a neighbors house.
8. If your child is experimenting with fire with friends, know who your children's friends are and meet the friend's parents to discuss the fire experimentation.
9. If your child is experimenting with fire call Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue's Juvenile Firesetter Program at 503-356-4708.