Fire officers offer help for families

Fire officers from the NSW Fire Brigade's Umina fire station have offered help to families and carers if they suspect children are playing with fire.

Umina station commander Guy Ellis said children were often unaware that a tiny flame could grow into a dangerous fire.

"It is a sad fact that some of the children who die, or are injured, in home fires actually lit the fire themselves," Mr Ellis said.

"Most kids find fire fascinating.

"Unfortunately, some children, not understanding the danger, take it a step further and start experimenting with matches and lighters when they are left on their own, a potentially fatal scenario."

Mr Ellis said help was only a phone call away under a program which provides help for families to understand and manage children's fire-starting behavior.

"If you know or suspect that your child has been playing with fire, seek help immediately by calling the fire brigade's toll-free number 1800 600 700 and avoid a tragedy," Mr Ellis said.

The brigade recommended all families had and maintained smoke alarms, rehearsed their escape plan and know how to call 000 in an emergency.

It also recommended that children were supervised at all times and were taught that fire is a tool not a toy.

The brigade has also recommended that parents keep lighters and matches secure and watch for evidence of fireplay, such as burns on bedding or clothing, or fire starting devices in children's pockets.

Under the Intervention and Fire Awareness Program, parents and carers ring a free and confidential service to arrange to talk to fire intervention officers.

The officers can also work directly with families to help them understand the issues, suggest strategies and develop an action plan to help make their home safer, and if necessary refer them to other professional help.

Press release, 7 Feb 2007 Guy Ellis, NSWFB Umina