The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has announced the theme for the 2008 Arson Awareness Week: Toylike Lighters – Playing with Fire. May 4 - 10 will be used to educate all Americans about the dangers of novelty and toylike lighters in the hands of children.

These lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation. State and local governments are taking action by banning their sale and limiting their distribution. “It is critical to focus public attention on the dangers of these toylike lighters,” said Greg Cade, U.S. Fire Administrator. “We are pleased to join our partners at the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute in supporting the ban of toylike and novelty lighters.”

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, the USFA began collecting information about the use of these lighters. NFIRS data indicate that lighters play a role nearly equal to matches in residential child-play fires, and some studies show that lighters tend to be the preferred ignition source. When children set fires in the home, the most common area of fire origin is the bedroom, and the material ignited is often bedding, mattresses or clothing.

In 2002, the National Fire Protection Association estimated 13,900 child-play structure fires were reported in the United States, with associated losses of 210 civilian deaths, 1,250 civilian injuries and $339 million in direct damage. Most of these child-play home fires were started with lighters or matches. The median age of children who start reported fires by playing is 5 years old, compared to a median age of 4 years old for fatal victims, and a median age in the late teens for nonfatal injuries.

The Phoenix Fire Department offers a Youth Firesetter Intervention Program to children who start fires. Since 1979, the program has assisted approximately 7,000 youth and families of firesetters. The program includes parent groups, firesetter risk assessments and age-appropriate curriculums. For more information about the Phoenix Fire Department’s Youth Firesetter Intervention Program, call 602-262-7757.