Operation FireSAFE

 

Curiosity is normal. But, some curiosities can be deadly. Curiosity with fire is normal among children. But, setting fires should not be considered "normal" behavior. Since 1992, ACOG has coordinated and administered Operation FireSAFE, a regional program offering education and, when appropriate, counseling to children who have played with or started fires. Firefighters from 21 area fire departments receive special training in interviewing and educating children and their families about fire. Information gathered through such interviews is shared with a network of mental health professionals who determine if counseling is needed to stop dangerous behavior and then provide needed therapy at low or no cost.

Children are referred to Operation FireSAFE by arson investigators, parents, physicians, school and child care professionals as well as justice and social service agency representatives.

Firesetting by children and adolescents is a major concern to fire departments across the Central Oklahoma metropolitan area as well as the nation. Child set fires are the leading cause of hospital burn admissions for children under age five and a leading cause of home and school property loss.

Since the advent of the program, fires started by children (in the region) have steadily decreased (see chart above).

Some Characteristics of Juvenile Firesetters

Several characteristics are common among children who set fires. These include having a curiosity with fire; a lack of understanding of fire’s danger; a history of behavioral problems such as lying, stealing, truancy and substance use. Locally, Operation FireSAFE fire service professionals and mental health workers have noted a link between firesetting and child abuse and neglect.

Program Successes

To date, Operation FireSAFE has been widely successful in the region: fewer than five percent of the children who received services were cited for repeat firesetting behavior. Since the program's inception, more than 2,500 children have been intervened with.

Operation FireSAFE creates a unique community partnership that seeks to curb child-set fires by educating juveniles and their families about the dangers of firesetting and the means for preventing this disturbing behavior. The program has been replicated within Oklahoma in Ponca City and Tulsa. In addition, several cities outside of the state have inquired regarding the program and visited with program representatives on its operation and effectiveness, including cities in Arizona, California, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Australia.

Operation FireSAFE Community Partners

• Bethany Fire Department
• Choctaw Fire Department
• Del City Fire Department
• Edmond Fire Department
• El Reno Fire Department
• Guthrie Fire Department
• Midwest City Fire Department
• Moore Fire Department
• Mustang Fire Department
• Newalla Fire Department
• Newcastle Fire Department
• Nichols Hills Fire Department
• Norman Fire Department
• Oklahoma Air National Guard
• Oklahoma City Fire Department
• Shawnee Fire Department
• Spencer Fire Department
• Tinker Air Force Base Fire Protection Branch
• The Village Fire Department
• Warr Acres Fire Department
• Will Rogers World Airport Fire Department
• Yukon Fire Department
• Mid-Del Youth and Family Services Oklahoma State Fire Marshal
• Oklahoma State Department of Health
• OU Health Sciences -Pediatric Psychology
• Oklahoma Air National Guard
• Oklahoma City-County Health Department
• Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office-Juvenile Justice
• Red Rock Counseling
• Tulsa Fire Marshal's Office
• Youth Services for Oklahoma County, Inc.
• Northwest Guidance Clinic
• Southeast Guidance Clinic
• Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition
• Oklahoma City Public Schools
• Junior Hospitality
• State Farm Insurance
• Kirkpatrick Family Fund