Fire - News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2007
CONTACT: Firefighter/PIO Daniel Valenzuela
Glendale Fire Department, (623) 695-7668          

1st Alarm Apartment Fire Serves As A Reminder To Teach Our Children The Importance Of Fire Safety

A first alarm apartment fire in Glendale resulted in a loss of about $100,000 in property damage according to the Glendale Fire Department.  Fortunately no one was injured in the blaze. The fire took place on Monday, November 12th at approximately 12:00 p.m. at the Ranchwood Apartments, located south of Bethany Home Road & 59th Avenue.

It is believed the fire started as a result of a child playing with a lighter. Unfortunately fires started by children playing with matches and lighters are still a tale far too common. According to the United Sates Fire Administration; Children of all ages set over 35,000 fires annually. Approximately 8,000 of those fires are set in homes.

Too often, children who set fires are not given proper guidance and supervision by parents and guardians.  These types of events are unfortunate for the entire family including the children who set the fires and everyone else who is affected. The first alarm blaze that took place on Monday affected 4 apartments and left 8 people without a home.

The child has been referred to the West Valley Youth Firesetter Intervention Program.  The class objective is to teach children and their parents or guardians the importance of fire safety, arson laws, consequences and burn injuries. It is important to teach all children that lighters and matches are tools and not toys.  Annually, 400-500 children ages 3 years to 17 years from Phoenix and other West Valley Cities participate in a Youth Firesetter Intervention Program.

Far too many firefighters have experienced the tragedy of a fire involving a child. The Glendale Fire Department urges parents and guardians to teach their children the importance of fire safety. Information on fire safety tips and the West Valley Youth Firesetter Intervention Program can be found on the Glendale Fire Department Website by clicking here.