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FireCare
Introduction
‘Fire setter’ is a term that has come to us from the USA, to describe people who start fires deliberately. Children’s natural fascination with fire can lead to devastating consequences if left unchecked. The following information gives guidance to help parents to spot the danger signs, and educate young children about the dangers of fire.
Some of these fires are started by children playing with matches or lighters; such children are described as ‘curiosity’ fire setters. The rest of the fires involve ‘problem’ fire setters who use fire as a form of vandalism. We know that nearly 70% of the fires attended by our service have been caused deliberately. It is a sad fact that the majority of these fires are caused by children or young people. It is crucial to address this problem at an early age; if left unchecked, the 9-13 year olds who are responsible for most small nuisance fires, such as bin or skip fires, may progress to committing serious arson offences.
Broad Definitions
Curiosity Fire Setters
Typically these children are aged between 2-7 years; they see fire as a toy and do not understand the implications of their actions. They usually start the fires when left unsupervised for even very short lengths of time. Sometimes children set fires in hidden locations such as under beds or in wardrobes.
Problem Fire Setters
This group tends to be aged between 5-17 years. There are a variety of reasons why these young people set fires, including boredom, malice and peer pressure. An emotional crisis in the child's life can sometimes trigger fire setting behaviour. Factors associated with fire setting are similar to those for other types of anti-social behaviour; eg poor relationships with peer group, chaotic family life, problems at school and lack of self-esteem.
How can parents reduce the risk of the children being fire setters?
Education
Fire is not a toy; it is a tool. It is dangerous and can kill. Only adults should use fire and even they have to follow safety rules.
Controlling children’s access to fire
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Never leave candles or fires burning when children are unattended, even for a few minutes.
- Teach children to alert adults when they see matches or lighters lying around.
Setting a good example
- Fit smoke alarms, test them and ensure they have working batteries.
- Draw up a 'fire plan' (home fire escape drill) and practice it with the whole family
- Reassure children that if a fire does start for any reason they must not be frightened to tell an adult and they should all 'get out, stay out, and call the brigade out'.
- Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
- Always use safety rules when making or using fire, and point out the rules during the course of your day.
FireCare
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service offers its free, confidential FireCare service to any fire setter up to 17 years old. In most cases FireCare involves only one or two home visits to the family by two advisors; we aim to educate the whole family about fire safety. However, for young people with more complex problems, we will make a series of visits, referring to other agencies when appropriate. We can deliver sessions in conjunction with both City and County agencies at their request; eg the Youth Offending Teams and Family Support Workers.
We will accept referrals from anybody, but the permission of the parent/guardian must be given. Referrals can be made (24 hours) via service headquarters or Control. To contact us to make a referral, click here. Tina Illston is the Coordinator. When making a referral please supply a contact address and telephone number for the family, the age of the child and details of the fire setting behaviour.
