Each year children are injured, and some die, from playing with matches and lighters. Children are often fascinated by fire and it is this natural curiosity which can so easily lead to disastrous consequences.

Accidents can be prevented by storing matches safely, and by following our advice about where problems are most likely to occur.

Never underestimate a child's ability to use matches or lighters. Our experience has shown that very young children are able to strike a match or use a lighter simply by watching others around them. However, they are not able to control them and do not understand the possible consequences.

A child's natural reaction to danger or trouble is to run away and hide - they are very unlikely to come and tell you what they have just done! Children will hide under beds or in cupboards to avoid the fire, which could lead to fatal results for them and for you.

When Surrey Fire and Rescue Service firefighters visit children in schools they tell children what to do if they find matches or lighters anywhere.

Leave them alone - Go and tell an adult - Ask the adult to put them somewhere safe

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service offers a free advice service to families who have children who are giving concern over their desire to play with fire. This is called the Firewise Intervention Scheme and is run by trained firefighters who will visit families and talk, on a one-to-one basis, with a child, in your own home. The Firewise Intervention Scheme leaflet is available to download at the bottom of this page.

The Firewise Intervention Scheme contact telephone number is 0800 0850 767 or you can fill in the online enquiry form.