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Children and fire
are a bad match
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is urging parents and caregivers to keep cigarette lighters and matches well out of the reach of children.
The MFS said that since mid-2010, South Australia had recorded 20 significant house and property fires involving children playing with fire lighting implements. As a result, two young children had died.
It said the fires also caused $2.45 million in property damage.
District Officer of Community Safety and Resilience at MFS, Allan Foster said the likelihood of children accidentally setting fires increased during school holidays.
| Fire service warns parents |
“Holiday time provides children with plenty of free time to enjoy with family and friends, and it is not always possible for parents or caregivers to supervise children every single second,” Mr Foster said.
“That’s why the MFS asks parents to ensure that matches, lighters and fire starters are kept well out of the reach of children.”
He said that storage above adult shoulder height and out of sight was recommended while children should be taught to notify an adult if any matches or other fire lighting equipment were left lying around.
Mr Foster said the Juvenile Firelighters Intervention Program (JFLIP) was conducted by the MFS to assist families in tackling the problem of children playing with fire.
He said JFLIP was delivered by MFS fire fighters who had been specially trained to work with children and was free and confidential.
Edition 150, 26 January 2012
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