Each year, fires set by children cost hundreds of lives and millions of dollars of property, cause painful injuries and are the leading cause of fire-related deaths among preschool-age children, according to national fire prevention authorities.

So last month, Janine Johnson, a Maple Valley Fire and Life public-education specialist, attended a four-day class in Bremerton hosted by the National Fire Academy for Juvenile Firesetting.

Johnson has been certified by the Fire Stoppers program in King County for more than 15 years. Attending the recent class gave her extra tools and information to help young fire setters, officials said.

Johnson said anyone who suspects or knows a child is playing with fire can contact her at janinej@maplevalleyfire.org for assistance.