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Prevention

Kids, Teens, & Fire Safety: Prevention Tips

Curiosity about fire is normal, but unsupervised fire play can lead to serious burns, injuries, and property damage. Here are ways to help children and teens stay safe — and what to do if a burn happens.


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Everyday Prevention Tips

  • Teach kids to tell an adult if they find lighters or matches left out. 

  • Store accelerants (like gasoline and propane) locked and outside the home. 

  • Keep all lighters and matches away from children — remember, “child-resistant” does not mean childproof. 

  • Be a role model: use matches, lighters, and fire safely and carefully. 

What to Avoid

  • Never leave candles burning unattended; consider flameless LED candles. 

  • Don’t give children jobs that involve lighting barbecues, fireplaces, or candles. 

  • Don’t leave kids unattended around grills, fireworks, fireplaces, bonfires, or fire pits. 

  • Don’t skip age-appropriate conversations about why fire can be dangerous. 

The Facts

  • In many states, parents may be legally and financially responsible if a child misuses fire. 

  • About 40% of fatal fires involving young children under 5 are started by kids playing with fire. (NFPA 2005) 

  • Each year, children playing with fire cause about: 

    • 56,300 fires 

    • 110 deaths 

    • 880 civilian injuries (NFPA 2011) 

The Fix: If a Burn Happens

  1. Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water. 

  2. Remove clothing and jewelry from the injured area. 

  3. Cover with a clean sheet or loose bandage. 

  4. Seek medical attention. 

Disclaimer and Usage 

© 2025 American Burn Association. All rights reserved.

The materials on this page, ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-prevention-fact-sheets/kids-teens-fire-safety-prevention-tips, are the property of the American Burn Association (ABA) and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. These fact sheets may be reproduced, shared, and distributed without charge for non-commercial, educational purposes. Co-branding with your organization's name or logo is permitted; however, the ABA logo may not be removed, altered, or replaced without prior written permission from the American Burn Association.

These materials are provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The ABA assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage.