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Children and fire

Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.   Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children; they may imitate you.   If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.   See all safety tips

Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in them.

Facts & figures

• In 2006, children playing with fire started an estimated 14,500 structure fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments, causing an estimated 130 civilian deaths, 810 civilian injuries and $328 million in direct property damage.
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) of all fatal victims of fires by playing are children 5 years old and younger.
• Nearly two out of every three child-playing fires -- and four out of five associated deaths and injuries -- involve matches or lighters.
• The items ignited by home fire-play are principally mattresses, bedding or clothing.

Source: NFPA's "Children Playing with Fire " report by Jennifer D. Flynn, January 2009.

Also see: Fact sheet on children and fire. (PDF, 32 KB)

Updated 1/09

In this Section:

Reports and statistics NFPA reports and other research on children and fire. Safety tips What you can do to help keep children away from fire.