YOUTH FIRESETTING INTERVENTION
A child or adolescent has usually started multiple fires, sometimes dozens of fires, that went undetected before setting the fire for which they got caught. Younger children are more likely to set fires at home, and older children and adolescents are more likely to set fires away from home.
In Colorado, if a fire is set by youth at a school or an event sponsored by a school, the incident must be reported to the local Fire Authority. In addition, it is required by Colorado law that the incidents be reported to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
If you are a fire department wishing to develop your Youth Firesetting Intervention Program OR wish to contact the DFPC requesting support for a youth who is firesetting, please email us.
Email: Kim.Spuhler@state.co.us
5/16/2025 - Fire departments across Colorado are responding to a dangerous social media trend known as the “Chromebook Challenge” or “Chromebook trend.” This trend encourages students to insert pencil lead or other metal objects, such as thumbtacks, paperclips, foil, or mechanical pencils into the USB port on their Chromebook, creating an electrical short circuit. This can result in the failure of the lithium-ion battery within the device, resulting in a serious fire risk and the production of large quantities of toxic and flammable vapor.
Over 200 incidents have been reported in Colorado within the last three weeks.
The lithium-ion battery in the laptop can enter thermal runaway, releasing flammable and toxic vapors that may ignite, resulting in fires or explosions. Inhalation of these vapors can cause chemical burns to the respiratory tract, pulmonary edema, and potential damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.
Resources for caregivers, fire departments, and schools:
School Resource PDF
|
Caregiver Resource PDF |  Fire Department PDF |
