Council and democracy

Firesetters

This safety advice is only offered as guidance. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out, Get the fire service out!

Why do children set fires?

Many young people start to play with fire for many different reasons, ranging from natural curiosity through to attention seeking. Without help and guidance fire setting behaviour can increase and lead to injuries and damage to homes, schools and other property.

This leaflet has been produced as an advisory note, primarily for Agencies and Authorities dealing with the welfare of children and young people.

What are the signs that a child may be playing with fire?

• Small burn holes in carpets
• charred paper in sinks or waste bins
• Matches or lighters hidden in your child’s clothing or bedroom
• Unexplained fires in your home, garden, or in and around the homes of his / her friends

Intervention Officers

All of our Intervention Officers are employees of the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and are drawn from all aspects of the service. They work in pairs and. They are not professional counsellors but training and experience have enhanced their natural skills.

Intervention Programme

This programme is aimed at 4-17 year old children who have behavioural problems associated with fire play or fire setting. Older children will be considered subject to the circumstances of the case. The aim of the scheme is to raise the child's awareness to the dangers of fire and the likely results of their actions.

Requests for help usually come directly from parents. Where another agency, authority or other family friend or member makes first contact, the parents or those with legal responsibility must be contacted. Parental agreement and support are crucial to the success of the programme. Each session is tailored to the needs and abilities of the child concerned. This programme maintains confidentiality unless we have a legal responsibility to pass information on to other agencies.

Make your home safe for children

• Never leave a young child alone in the house.
• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach.
• Explain that fire is dangerous.
• Teach children to "Stop, Drop and Roll" if their clothes catch fire.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working and you have at least one on each level of your home.
• Check the alarm - Vacum the case - Change the battery.Make a Fire Action Plan together and practise it.

For Advice: Please contact us on either Stevenage 01438-737399, or Watford 01923 471399.