CURIOSITY FIRESETTERS
Curiosity is the most common reason children play with fire. Children want to know how fire looks and feels, what it can do, and how it burns. They may also try to imitate adults by lighting candles, cigarettes and fireplaces. What begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can often lead to tragedy because children do not understand fire’s destructive potential.
PROBLEM FIRESETTERS
Problem firesetters are generally between the ages of 5-17 and may set fires because of emotional of mental disturbances ranging from mild to severe. A change or crisis in the child’s life such as a move, a divorce or a death could trigger firesetting behavior. Some behavioral traits that have been linked to firesetting behavior include poor relationships with other children, extreme mood changes and cruelty to animals.
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