Children Playing with Matches

Children and Matches

		Graeme Smith, Chief Fire Officer, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service wishes to warn parents of the need to ensure that children are unable to reach any matches and lighters. Children love fire, there is a real temptation for children to play with matches and lighters. But every year children die starting fires with matches and lighters they shouldn’t have had. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes for a child left on their own, to start a fire.
Children are unaware of the speed at which fire can spread and the ease at which some materials can catch fire. If a fire started in your living room, it can go from a smouldering piece of fabric or waste paper bin to engulfing the whole room within minutes. Children playing with matches will not think of looking for an escape route if a fire does get out of control. They do not realise the pain that can be inflicted or the scars that fire can leave. Be safe rather than sorry, put your matches in a safe place.




For further Fire Safety information and advice contact: The Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282 National Community Fire Safety Centre Website www.firekills.gov.uk Return to Safety Advice

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