Yakima Parents Urged to Keep Kids Safe from Fire Hazards

Have kids? Let's talk fire safety.
As summer approaches, fire safety experts are stressing the importance of keeping children safe from the dangers of fire.

FLAMES EQUAL FUN FOR A LOT OF KIDS

Firefighters say that children often associate flames with fun and joyful activities—such as blowing out birthday candles, roasting marshmallows, or watching fireworks—making fire appear fascinating and harmless in their eyes. However, their natural curiosity can lead to dangerous situations and big damaging fires.

A LOT OF DAMAGE BY KIDS

In Washington State alone, incidents of intentionally set fires caused by children or irresponsible handling resulted in over $18 million in damages in 2024. The fires not only cause financial loss but also pose serious risks to people.

STEPS TO TAKE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Experts recommend several steps parents and caregivers can take to prevent children from experimenting with fire:

Keep matches and lighters out of reach, ideally in locked cabinets.
Supervise children closely around heat sources or flammable materials.
Educate children that fire moves very quickly and can cause injuries instantly.
Establish clear rules and consequences about avoiding unsupervised or unauthorized use of fire.
Serve as a good role model by safely handling fire sources and never treating them as toys.
Talk openly with children about peer pressure and teach them safe ways to respond if their friends are playing with fire.
Praise responsible behavior and age-appropriate caution around fire.

IF YOU NEED HELP

Parents concerned about their child's curiosity or risk factors are asked to contact the Yakima Youth Fire Prevention. Many fire departments offer educational programs designed to teach children about fire safety.
For additional information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904. Ensuring children understand the dangers of fire is crucial in preventing tragedies and safeguarding communities.