Most of us as have learned to control fire and take it for granted. Children, however, are still learning about it and do not possess the decision-making skills required to control fire. Our goal in this section is to provide answers to commonly asked questions and tell you how we can help.
Definitions:
Fire tools: For most children these are matches, small lighters and large barbecue butane lighters also known as utility lighters or torches. However, children can also use the burners on hot water heaters, stoves, barbecue grills and gas fire places to light items (usually candles) when they experiment with fire.
Misuse of fire or fire tools: Many people refer to this as "playing" with fire but the word "playing" usually refers to a positive and fun experience with items intended for use by children. Since fire and fire tools do not fit that description, it is confusing to children to use the word "playing" as a descriptive. Misuse or experimentation more accurately describe the behavior.
Firesetter: This is a term that makes a parent's stomachs go into knots. However, it is actually a clinical term used by fire, school, law enforcement and medical personnel to describe a child who misuses fire.