Firesetting during the Preschool Period: Assessment and Intervention Issues

Abstract

Objective To describe a methodology of assessing preschoolers involved in firesetting incidents, and outline the psychiatric implications of firesetting incidents in young children. Method To outline The Arson Prevention Program for Children and present case vignettes. Results The heightened risk of burn injury or fatality in fires caused by young children is highlighted and practical suggestions for facilitating the immediate safety of the child and family are presented. Conclusion Despite the popular notion that fire interest and play is relatively benign in young children, the cases show that, as with older children, firesetting in preschoolers can be associated with serious child and/or family psychopathology.