Juvenile Fire Setters

At the Glenside Fire Protection District, we work actively with other community agencies in identifying and educating the youth to prevent malicious fire setting.  Glenside is currently following the state juvenile fire setters program in cooperation with local police, education, and county departments.  The goal is not to enforce, but to identify and educate the dangers of fire experimentation in order to prevent injury or property damage.  Youth ages range from 4-15, and are referred to the program by police, teachers, parents, and other community officials.  During an intervention, members of the program interview parents and the youth in regards to the event that occurred.  Separate interviews will then transpire between the youth and the department member to prevent intimidation from parents.  At the conclusion of the intervention, fire safety assignments are given to the youth to help promote the topics discussed.  Follow up meetings may be done on a case-by-case situation.  Counseling may also be recommended if warranted.  

For information on this program, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at cwallin@glensidefire.org or call the station at (630) 668-5323 Monday Thru Friday 8am-4:30pm.