AMHERST – A small fire in a wooded area near Village Park apartments Tuesday evening, which was set by two girls, was extinguished by Amherst firefighters before causing any property damage, according to police.
Firefighters and police officers responded to the 497 East Pleasant St. complex at 6:41 p.m. to bring the fire under control. The fire was out by 7:21 p.m.
The Fire Department is recommending that both juveniles participate in the NoFIRES Fire Safety course administered by the Northwestern district attorney’s office. This five-class program is for children ages 5 to 16 who set fires or engage in fire-related behavior.
Assistant Fire Chief Donald McKay said Wednesday that the department occasionally refers youths to the program.
Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal’s office, said similar programs are run in other parts of the state that help youths to make better decisions.
“We know these intervention programs are extremely successful at stopping behavior,” Mieth said.
While Tuesday evening’s fire was minor, Mieth said every fire has the capability of causing death and damage.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
