If you would like more information, or an appointment with a JFS interventionist,
or would like to share information concerning a youth firesetter, please call our
Juvenile Firesetter Intake telephone line at 503-356-4708.
History has shown that children and fire are a dangerous and sometimes fatal combination.
TVF&R responds to this community issue by providing services to families who
are affected by a youth that has misused fire. Services including education, intervention,
and mental health referrals are available to any family who has had past or present
firesetting behaviors.
What to Do if your Child is Experimenting with Fire
- Keep matches and lighters locked up so children do not have access to them.
- Explain the dangers of fire to your child.
- Model fire safe behaviors.
- Supervise your children when they are around candles, campfires, fireplace fires,
barbecues, stoves, etc.
- Keep lighter fluid, gasoline, white gas, and propane locked up out of the reach
of children.
- 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.
- If there is a fire, quickly leave the building and call 9-1-1 from a safe telephone
such as a neighbors house.
- 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.
- If your child is experimenting with fire call Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue's Juvenile
Firesetter Program at 503-356-4708.