Juvenile fire setting impacts a community in many ways. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2007 and 2011, an average of 49,300 fires per year involved playing with fire. Fires set by children resulted in:
- 860 injuries
- 80 deaths
- $235 million in property damage
Firesetting is the largest cause of home deaths among children and the 2nd leading cause of all fatal home accidents.
In an effort to reduce the number of fire injuries and deaths, the Council Bluffs Fire Department will provide education and redirection assistance to children who exhibit fire setting behaviors and their families seeking help.
The education program is for those age 17 and younger and teaches the power of fire, consequences of playing with fire, fire prevention, and how to survive a fire. The Council Bluffs Fire Department follows the State of Iowa Juvenile Fire Intervention Program.