Matches and lighters are ticking bombs in the hands of children

TORONTO, Ontario, June 7, 2001 -- The Fire Marshal of Ontario is deeply disturbed by the number of deadly fires involving young children. At a news conference today, Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle appealed to parents and caregivers to make sure their children do not have access to matches and lighters.

"Children are naturally curious about fire," said Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. "Most of the time they do not realize the consequences of their actions. In fact, children are often the victims of the fires they start.

"When young children set fires that get out of control, they often become afraid of what they have done and try to hide in a closet or under the bed, instead of escaping to safety, said the Fire Marshal. "That's why it is critical that parents and caregivers keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children."

The Fire Marshal urged everyone to be responsible for fire safety in their homes. "All homes should have working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas," he said. "Everyone should know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds. The most important thing you can do is to make sure a fire doesn't happen in the first place, and to ensure that your children don't have access to matches or lighters. If you smoke, you should have only one lighter so you can keep track of it at all times."

So far this year in Ontario, 10 children have lost their lives in fires, including two young brothers who died in a house fire last Sunday in Toronto. According to statistics from the Office of the Fire Marshal, during 1995-1999, a total of 84 children died in fires in Ontario. During that same 5-year period, there were 1,462 fires caused by children aged 11 or under playing with items such as matches and lighters, resulting in 181 injuries and 21 deaths.

Most Ontario communities have intervention programs to help young people involved in fire play or fire setting. The most popular program, TAPP-C, is supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Toronto Fire Services and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. If you have concerns about your child and his or her interest in fire, call your local fire department for information.

Contact:
Mr. Bev Gilbert
Office of the Fire Marshal
416-325-3178