Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention
The Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention program helps educate youth fire setters through safety education. Youth may be referred to the program through the schools, law enforcement, concerned parents, and Madison Fire Department personnel.
The purpose of this program is to identify youth who are misusing fire and to provide prompt intervention, including referrals as necessary, to reduce the incidence of youth-set fires.
Youth Firesetting is the act of or participating in the act of burning, melting, or playing with fire for any reason, regardless of property value or intent, by any child under the age of 18. Youth who tamper with fire protection and safety equipment may also be referred to the program.
Early identification of the motivation of firesetters and early intervention can help reduce or eliminate dangers to the home and community. Whatever the cause of the fire setting behavior, it may be possible to replace it with more constructive activity. Fire setting motives may also be reduced through guidance and screening.
For more information on this program contact Bernadette Galvez at (608) 261-9844.