Fire Setters Education Programme
Fire is fascinating, it's one of our most useful tools and
without it we would be lost. Children and young people start to
play with fire for various reasons, ranging from natural curiosity
to attention-seeking behaviour. Without help and guidance,
firesetting activities can increase and lead to more serious
consequences such as injury and damage to homes, schools and
property.
The Fire Authority run special one to one education programmes
for people who set fires and endanger themselves and others. Our
specialist advisors are trained to deal with children and young
people who have demonstrated a fascination with fire. The scheme
offers fire safety education and advice for children and young
people as well as their parents and guardians.
We can arrange for our advisors to come and meet with the child
or young person and their parents. The number of visits we make and
the precise way in which we deal with the child or young person
will vary depending on the circumstances and problems involved.
We also use the same personalised education technique to engage
with young people who make hoax calls to the Fire & Rescue
Service, or who may be involved in vehicle related crime.
Referrals to the scheme can be made by any agency who has
contact with the young people, including parents, schools, social
services, youth offending services, police etc. Wherever possible
parental permission is sought prior to the programme
commencing.
Parent and Guardian Information on child fire-setting
behaviour
How can I help?
Never leave matches or lighters around the house, even in
pockets or handbags.
Lock them away or put them out of reach.
Tell your child from an early age:
· never to touch
matches and lighters;
· they are dangerous
and can burn;
· they are for
grown-ups with no exceptions.
Is my child curious?
Look for the signs:
· Burnt matches lying
around
· Burnt pieces of
paper left about
· Scorch marks on
carpets or soft furnishings in their bedroom
What can I do now?
Stay calm. Don't frighten or punish your child for being
curious.
However:
· They must understand
the danger they are in.
· Talk about the
consequences.
· Seek help.
· Talk to a trusted
member of the family or a close friend.
Contact Us
· Don't panic.
· Act promptly - help
is only a phone call away.
· Contact us in
confidence using the contact details.
What happens now?
· Most children show a
natural interest and curiosity about fire.
· We work with
individual children at home or school.
· We do not punish
children but help them to change their dangerous fire-setting
behaviour.
· Don't allow fire to
destroy your family. The results can be devastating.
Contact Andrea Sterry
01670 621146
mailto:Andrea.Sterry@northumberland.gov.uk
