Just this month, 3 children in Western Wisconsin died in house fires. Investigators say children started those fires, as well as another one in La Crescent that destroyed an apartment complex.

The National Fire Protection Association says every year children start fires that kill 300 people across the nation.

Fire prevention experts say there are things parents and grandparents can do to teach their kids about the deadly dangers of matches and lighters.

After the flames and smoke are gone, sometimes the only thing left is pain.

But Eau Claire Fire Inspector Janet Segelken wants to provide hope and information. She makes it her life's work to reach out to kids who end up reaching for matches and lighters, "that's the hardest, when you can't reach them all."

Fires killed two little girls in Clark County on April 6. Fire investigators say the girls older brothers were playing with a lighter. The same day investigators say an 8-year old autistic boy set a fire in his Pittsville home that would eventually kill him. And just two days later, firefighters in La Crescent say a 4-year boy with a lighter started an apartment complex on fire.

Janet Segelken says, "most of the fire we have had is curious kids. The 3 or 4 year old, the autistic child, it wasn't malice it wasn't there to do harm, it was a curious.. and that's where we lose kids."

Segelken works with kids who have set fires, but also tries to educate kids to prevent that from happening. Lessons she says moms and dads can do right now, at home.

"If you have candles or you have your fireplace or whatever and you see the kids have a curiosity of it, ask them. Talk to them you know, are you curious about fire? Can we talk about it. Get ahold of us, we have some really good cds and videos that are some really good cds and videos that are age appropriate that can initiate the conversation with kids," she added.

She says kids like to mimic adults. If they see you play with your lighter, start a campfire or even light a candle, she says they may try it too and they likely know where you hide the matches and lighters. So here is what she says every adult should do:

*secure lighters and matches, lock the area if possible
*ask guests to secure their lighters and matches
*change the way you talk about it, don't make light of it by saying they're playing with matches
*watch your children as much as possible

She adds, "I know intervention works, i know talking to kids works."

Segelken says she sees an increase in kids starting fires this time of year. She says if your family camps, make sure your children know the rules when it comes to matches.

For more help, Click here for the FEMA match and lighter safety page.