Fires Started by Children

It’s important for kids to learn about fire safety, since the leading cause of fires in Regina over the past 10 years involved children playing with matches and lighters.

Reduce the chance of a fire in your home by talking to your children about the following fire safety practices:

• Never touch matches or lighters
• • Matches and lighters are tools for adults - not toys for children
  • If you see matches or lighters, either:
  • • tell an adult
    • give the matches or lighter to an adult

• Be careful when cooking
• • Don’t play near the stove when an adult is cooking
  • Never pull on the cord to unplug an appliance; grasp the plug-in instead
  • Don’t use the stove unless an adult is around; instead use the microwave or make sandwiches and other food items that don’t require cooking
  • Do not place tinfoil or put utensils like metal knives or forks into the microwave

• Don’t smoke
• • Many fires are started by smoking
  • Tell an adult if you see smoke from an ashtray when no one is around

Teach children what to do if a fire occurs

Some kids are frightened by the sound of a fire alarm, the sight of a uniform, or thoughts of a fire occurring. To help battle these fears, try the following activities:

• Take a Station tour of your local fire station to “meet” the firefighters and be up close and personal to fire trucks and fire safety equipment.
• Attend a community event where Regina Fire & Protective Services will be in attendance. It’s a good chance for kids to learn that firefighters are not scary, but safe.
• Plan a fire safety drill in your home. Push the button on a smoke alarm so the children learn what it sounds like.
• Practice the fire escape plan you and your family have created at least twice a year.