Maine Panel to Oversee Response to Juvenile Fire-Setters

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A committee formed to oversee the state of Maine’s response to juveniles who set fires will be meeting for the first time Monday.

State Fire Marshal John Dean said that since 2000, there have been 2,163 fires in Maine that were started by juveniles. He said those fires caused 11 deaths, 94 injuries and more than $37 million in damage.

The 14-member Maine Juvenile Fire Safety Collaborative will assess the impact of juvenile fire setters, monitor treatment and response, and suggest ways to improve counseling of children who set fires.

The committee, authorized by an executive order from Gov. John Baldacci, is made up of representatives from state government, social and mental health services, the fire service and law enforcement.