The Maple Grove Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program is an educational intervention program. It is not intended to employ scare tactics, intimidate, or punish. Our program is designed to teach youngsters the facts about fire, as well as the consequences of fire setting behavior. By instilling a general respect for fire, we find that most youngsters will stop their fire setting/fire play behavior.

The assessment is from the United States Fire Administration and helps determine the motivation for fire play/fire setting. This can range from curiosity, delinquent, to crisis fire setting/fire play. Once the motivation for fire play/fire setting is determined, a program is set up for the child or a referral to another agency may be recommended. 

The program is free to all Maple Grove residents. The child’s knowledge of fire safety and their attitude determine the number of necessary sessions. The average number of sessions is three to five, generally lasting from 45 minutes to one hour in length. After the initial session, parents are encouraged to attend with their child but their attendance is not mandatory.

Fire safety films are viewed each session; a pretest and posttest are given to determine fire safety knowledge. The program is taught at an age appropriate level for each child. Assignments are given during each session and include some that are family-oriented.

The City of Maple Grove feels that educational intervention through the Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Program is a positive way to stop fire play/fire setting behavior.  Please contact the Deputy Fire Marshal at 763-494-6091 for additional information.