WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Fires set by children are the leading cause of child fire fatalities in the United States and more than half of these fires begin in the bedroom.
Officials with the Sleep Products Safety Council say just more than half of fires started by children begin in a bedroom, and among fatal home fires started by children playing, three out of five involve children igniting bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture or clothing.
The council is conducting a campaign on fire hazards that exist in the home and bedroom, specifically focusing on reducing preventable fires accidentally started by children.
SPSC is working with the National Fire Protection Association to give parents and children with fire safety tips and activities.
Parents need to emphasize to their children that fire is a tool, not a toy, the council says. Parents also need to keep things like matches and lighters locked away and the entire family should adopt and practice a fire escape plan, says the NFPA.
Information on fire safety can be found at safesleep.org.
