Free smoke alarms, advice for families

Jan. 28, 2007

SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - In light of the recent tragic deaths of two toddlers in an Eagle River house fire, the Central Mat-Su Fire Department is offering free installation of smoke alarms for families that need them, and education for both parents and children on the dangers of playing with fire.

&#8220Children playing with fire is becoming an increasing problem throughout the U.S., and we really want to put out the message that these kind of deaths are preventable with education,” said Tara Mellon, public education officer. &#8220Also, if the family had a working fire alarm, the outcome might have been different.”

The department has approximately 200 smoke alarms available to the public made possible through a grant, Mellon said.

&#8220If someone calls, and needs an alarm, we will come out and install them in their home for free,” she said.

Children under 5 account for the highest number of people killed in child-related, playing-with-fire incidents, she said.

According to national statistics, children set 20 to 40 percent of all fires. About half of these cases start in the bedroom, where children accidentally set fire to bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and clothing. Nationally, more juveniles are involved in arson more than any other crime, which has caused more than 300 deaths, 2,000 injuries and $300 million in property damage.

&#8220Seventy five to 81 percent of youth that have played with fire will do it again if not provided the proper education,” Mellon said. &#8220Throughout last year, we did a number of interventions and provided children with education who might have a problem if left to their own devices.”

There are different reasons children play with fire, she said. Sometimes children will set a fire in response to a stressful event or situation, such as a change in the family structure like a divorce.

Sometimes, children are delinquent and act in groups of peers and set fires to oppose authority. Sometimes, children are actually pathological and have emotional or psychological problems.

There are also several myths about why children set fires, she said, such as &#8220fire setting is a phase children will outgrow,” and that &#8220if your child only sets small fires, you don't need to worry.”

Playing with fire is not a phase. Youth need the proper education or they will continue to experiment with fire, Mellon said. Small fires and large fires all start the same. Any fire can quickly get out of control and endanger lives.

If someone knows of a child, age 2 through 16, who has started a fire or has played with matches or lighters, they are asked to call Mellon for educational assistance at 373-8827.

If someone lives in the Wasilla-Lakes fire service area and is in need of a smoke alarm, they also can call 373-8827.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2252 or sharon.mcbride@frontiersman.com.