Retail availability of fire-starting materials and their misuse by children and adolescents

Reducing access to ignition materials such as matches and lighters is a standard part of most interventions to reduce juvenile firesetting, but children of all ages are still permitted to purchase ignition materials, such as matches and lighters, from retail outlets. This brief research report describes the costs and consequences of the misuse of retail-obtained ignition materials by children and youth. This study shows that almost a fifth (18%) of children and adolescents referred to a specialized juvenile fire-starting program had used ignition materials that they obtained from retail outlets in their fire-starting. Moreover, their fire-starting was extensive and had caused or had the potential to cause significant injuries. In addition, their fire incidents were costly in terms of damage and community resources. Implications for fire safety education for retailers, further research, and legislative action are discussed.