DFES launches children’s book to warn of dangers of playing with fire

Written by volunteer firefighter and Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness (JAFFA) Support Officer Chris Cairns the book calls on young readers to share in Aaron’s promise to never to play with lighters again.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said that young children don’t always realise or understand the lifelong consequences of playing with fire.

“Aaron’s Promise is aimed at children between four and eight years old and tells the tale of a young boy whose curiosity has disastrous consequences after finding a lighter in the park,” Commissioner Gregson said.

“It’s normal for children to be curious about fire, however when their curiosity gets the better of them it can result in heartbreaking consequences including serious burns and devastating damage to property and the environment.

“This is where a well written book with beautiful illustrations can reach children in ways that adults sometimes can’t, reinforcing how dangerous playing with fire is.”

Commissioner Gregson said that every year there are hundreds of fires caused by children playing with fire.

“In the past three years over 800 bushfires and 145 structural fires have been caused by people under 18 – these are preventable fires that put the community at unnecessary risk,” Commissioner Gregson said.

“DFES has a number of educational programs and resources to educate young people about fire safety, and Aaron’s Promise is just one more tool to increase awareness.”

Aaron’s Promise will be distributed to local government libraries and primary schools, to parents of young children who are referred to the JAFFA Program and to firefighters delivering the Firefighter School Visit Program.

For more information about fire safety visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

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