🔥 Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program
The Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program is a statewide standardized initiative designed to provide prevention education, intervention, and referrals for children and families throughout Illinois. Its goal is to reduce both the frequency and severity of fires set by youths through education, guidance, and early behavioral support.
By partnering with the fire service, this program serves as a coordinated referral center for assessing and addressing youth fire setting behavior. It focuses on helping both the child and their family understand the dangers and consequences of fire misuse — ultimately reducing the potential for tragedy.
Prevention education is most effective when it’s properly targeted, thoughtfully designed, and delivered with empathy. Understanding what motivates a child’s behavior is often the key to solving the problem of youth fire setting.
Zion’s Role in the Program
The Zion Fire Rescue Department has several members who are trained Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionists. Over the years, our department has responded to many fires caused by the actions of juveniles. Many of these incidents stem from simple curiosity about matches and lighters — but without timely intervention, that curiosity can evolve into dangerous or even fatal fire-setting behavior.
How the Program Works
Juveniles who are found responsible for setting fires, or who exhibit unsafe fascination with fire, are required to attend counseling sessions with one of our trained Youth Fire Setter Interventionists. These sessions include:
- Individual, one-on-one counseling with a trained professional
- Viewing educational videos about fire dangers
- Instruction on the consequences and legal implications of fire misuse
- Guidance for parents and guardians on reinforcing fire safety at home
Why Early Intervention Matters
Proper and timely intervention with juveniles — especially when supported by family — can make a powerful difference in preventing future fire-setting incidents. The combination of professional counseling, education, and parental involvement provides a strong foundation for turning curiosity into responsibility.
Early intervention saves lives. Together, we can stop fire misuse before it starts.