UPPER HASTINGS RANCH ASSOCIATION (UHRA)

STOP F. i. r.e.s PROGRAM

STOP F. i. r.e.s PROGRAM

STOP F. i. r.e.s PROGRAM

Annually, arson fires kill hundreds of people and result in over $2 billion in damage. The United States Fire Administration estimates that nationwide, 55 percent of all arson fires are set by youths. Arson is the number-one crime committed by juveniles. One third of all children killed by fire set the fires themselves. Left untreated, 81% of firesetters will repeat their actions. While the majority of fires set by children are set out of curiosity and not malice, the damage they cause in both economic and human suffering is real and devastating. Whether the result of a curious child playing with matches or the malicious act of a troubled delinquent, youth firesetting is a serious problem that requires special attention.

The Pasadena Fire Department has taken an important step forward in addressing our community needs by " Firefighters Identifying Resources for Education and Safety " through the "Stop F.i.r.e.s Program". This community-based program will address the problems facing our neighborhoods with youths that set fires. The "Stop F.i.r.e.s. Program" will give the Fire Department a consistent method of assessing youth firesetter motivations and provide the proper level of intervention in a professional manner.

The "Stop F.i.r.e.s. Program" starts with the identification of the youth as a firesetter. The many ways the Fire Department becomes aware of an adolescent firesetter are during an "origin and cause" fire investigation conducted by a Fire Officer at a fire incident, by a Fire Investigator during a follow-up investigation, by notification from a concerned parent or reference from school authorities. Fire Department members will conduct interviews and under the supervision of the Fire Investigation Unit, will direct the firesetter to one of three courses of action. A home fire safety inspection will be provided as needed to assist the concerned family.

The first level will be to provide fire safety education to both the youths and their parents during monthly classes conducted by the Fire Department. The second level of intervention will be to refer the youth to a mental health professional for follow-up evaluation and care. The third level will be to arrest the youth and process them through the juvenile justice system.

Youths become firesetters for a variety of reasons. The magnitude of the emotional and economic pain and suffering they cause varies tremendously. The Fire Department's "Stop F.i.r.e.s. Program" is designed to provide a means to assess the level of risk to the youth and to society, identify the appropriate level of treatment, and provide intervention for the adolescent. By utilizing a consortium of School Administrators, Teachers, Counselors, Mental Health Professionals and Community Leaders, the Fire Department will address the communities needs for Intervention and Public Safety.

The "Stop F.i.r.e.s. Program" will ensure that those children reaching out for assistance will be provided with a second chance. It will provide the appropriate level of intervention to those children or young adults who are threats to society.

Please contact the Pasadena Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit for questions or for additional information on the "Stop F.i.r.e.s. Program" at 626-744-4040.

Pasadena Fire Department
Fire & Environmental Safety Division, Investigation Unit