The program includes children referred to the Division of Fire Prevention through the school system, the detective in charge of juvenile crime with the Moorestown Police Department and the Chief of the Moorestown Fire Department, Fire District #1.

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The Intervention and Education Program shall be known as

MOORESTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT’S
“SMOKE SIGNALS”
INTERVENTION & EDUCATION

SMOKE SIGNALS INTERVENTION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

The "Smoke Signals" program is based on the Burlington County “Phoenix” Juvenile Fire Setters Program.

The “Smoke Signals” program is designed to determine, through informal interviews with the parents and the child, the risk factor level of fire setting.

Level one is usually limited to fire curiosity and normally requires two sessions of fire safety education.

Levels two and three include those children recognized as having more serious fire setting experiences requiring that they be referred to the Burlington County “Phoenix” Juvenile Fire Setters Program operated under the direction of the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s office.

Fire safety education will consist of at least two sessions with a fire safety educator. The NJ Fire Safety Skills Manual will provide most of the required minimum education, but will be supplemented with the Moorestown Fire Department’s videos and other educational materials including homework assignments.

"Smoke Signals" is a totally volunteer participation program and permission must be granted by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Fire Marshal Robert J. Worrell, heads up the "Smoke Signals" program. Fire Marshal Worrell received his training in intervention through the Burlington County “Phoenix” Juvenile Fire Setters Program & the Camden County “FireWatch” program.

Both programs were brought into existence through the U.S. National Fire Academy’s courses on juvenile fire setting.

Fire Marshal Worrell is an active educator for the “Phoenix” program which is operated out of the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s office located in Westampton, NJ. “Phoenix” is a fire safety program for children and adolescents.

 

What is child and adolescent
Fire setting?

Each year, children start thousands of deadly fires. Most of these fires could have been prevented if parents had been better informed about the hazards of leaving cigarette lighters and matches within the reach of young children. Sadly some of the deadliest fires are started not accidentally, but intentionally by troubled adolescents. Such tragedies can be prevented through a program including family education, fire-safety awareness and counseling regarding juvenile fire play.

No single group is more familiar with the problem of child and adolescent fire setting then our nation’s firefighters. They witness the ugly results of deadly fires every day. They see how most fires could have been prevented.

 

WHY DO CHILDREN SET FIRES?

Children are naturally curious about fire. Indeed, most are fascinated by it. They find a pack of matches or a cigarette lighter and, through imitation or experimentation bring about tragedy.

Other children may start fires intentionally. Many experts believe that this group sets fires because they are experiencing some sort of emotional strain – perhaps a divorce, an impending move, or a death in the family.

More often than not, these children intentionally set fires more than once. But no matter what circumstances cause children to set fires, the results can be tragic.

 

THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF RECURRENT
FIRE SETTING BY CHILDREN

1. Fires of unknown origin found in your home.
2. Small burn-holes in carpets, charred paper in sinks or wastebaskets.
3. Matches or lighters hidden in your child’s clothes drawers.
4. An unusual strong fascination with fires, (involving the family fireplace, camp fires, candles, stovetop cooking etc).

Don’t let any of these behaviors go unchecked. Children who play with fire are more likely to continue this behavior into their adult years.

For more information regarding telltale fire-setting signs, simply contact Fire Marshal, Robert J. Worrell at the Division of Fire Prevention 856-234-1222. All information is kept confidential. You only need to leave your name and phone number. Fire Marshal Worrell will return your call to gather more information concerning your individual request.

 

MAKE YOUR HOME FIRE-SAFE FOR CHILDREN:

1. Keep all matches and lighters in a designated place out of reach of children. Put these items above eye level as you would medicine, tools, chemicals, or sharp knives.
2. Never assume that infants and toddlers are incapable of lighting a match or a lighter. Teach young children that they should bring any such items they find directly to you.
3. Explain that fire is a tool, not a toy and that it is dangerous unless used by adults for a healthy and appropriate purpose. When children are older (5-7 years), begin teaching them the proper uses of fire, such as lighting candles on a cake, but only under your supervision.
4. Leave a responsible person with your children when you go out, even if only for a little while.
5. Instruct babysitters on what to do in case of fire.
6. Teach your children the proper way to extinguish clothes that catch fire. (Do not run; STOP, DROP AND ROLL).
7. Make sure your whole family knows how to call in a fire.
8. Post a list of emergency telephone numbers. If you have to call the fire department, give your complete address, and tell the dispatcher if you think someone is trapped in the fire.
9. Work out a plan of escape from every room in your home, especially the bedrooms.
10. Set a good example for fire safety. Children learn about fire from others.