State Fire Marshal Raises Awareness to the Dangers of Toy-like Lighters during Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10
JEFFERSON CITY, May 5, 2008— State Fire Marshal Randy Cole joins with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) in recognizing Arson Awareness Week May 4-12 with this year’s theme being “Toy-like Lighters – Playing with Fire.”
“National statistics continue to reflect a high percentage of fires attributed to juveniles, whether intentionally set or not” Cole said. “Why allow merchants to market lighters that are toy-like in appearance, obviously an attraction to young children who have high curiosity tendencies?”
To address this issue, State Rep. Ed Wildberger has introduced legislation this session to ban the sale of novelty lighters to anyone under the age of eighteen.
Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation. Some local and state governments are taking action by banning their sale and limiting distribution. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys.
The National Fire Incident Reporting System 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.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has an established Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program to address juveniles with fire play tendencies.
“This program offers an avenue for parents, caregivers, and teachers to seek intervention assistance to prevent this type of behavior in young children. We hope this program can prevent devastating property loss and more importantly the loss of life,” Cole said.
Arson fires whether they involve children or adults affect all of us. Not only during Arson Awareness Week, but anytime throughout the year, you are encouraged to call the Arson Hotline 800-39ARSON to anonymously report such information if you witness or have any information about an arson fire.