Fire setting intervention
What is fire setting?
It is usual for children to show a natural interest and curiosity with fire. Even if they do not display any fire setting behaviour, many children may be fascinated by fire. Unfortunately, for some young people, this interest develops into something more dangerous.
Fire setting behaviour can become increasingly serious and lead to injury, damage to property and death.
Signs of fire setting behaviour
Some of the tell-tale signs that may show fire setting behaviour include:
- Small burn holes in carpets, furniture, beds or clothing.
- Charred paper in sinks or wastebaskets.
- Matches or lighters hidden in cupboard, drawers or under beds.
- An unusual fascination with fires.
- Unexplained burnt objects in the home or garden.
- The smell of smoke on clothes or in the home.
These behaviours should never be ignored, and early intervention can ensure it does not continue into adulthood.
How we can help
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service provide a Fire Setting Intervention Scheme; an educational programme for children and young people under 18, living within Warwickshire, who have shown an active interest in fire, displayed fire setting behaviour or have played with fire.
The scheme aims to
- Provide educational intervention to raise awareness of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety to keep themselves safe.
- Support children to identify strategies to help them make informed decisions, whilst recognising the wider impact that choices of behaviour can have on themselves and others.
- Provide advice for parents and carers through one of our free Safe and Well Checks (S&W).
What to expect from the service
When a referral has been received with consent from a parent/carer you will be contacted by the Fire Setting Intervention Team.
- Our first aim is to arrange a free Safe and Well Check where appropriate and gain consent by the parents/carers. (Except where a child or young person is living in a Children’s Care Home as these are classed as businesses and do not qualify for a S&W).
- Each referral is assessed to identify the level of risk based on the likelihood of further fire setting, allowing us to prioritise cases.
- A case is allocated to a lead Fire Setting Intervention (FSI) Advisor
- They will contact the appropriate person to discuss the concerns and to decide upon the best form of engagement to provide our fire safety education sessions.
- There can be one up to five sessions, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes and can take place either in the home or within an educational setting.
- Sessions will be conducted with up to two of our FSI trained advisors and the child or young person. From this point, our support is personalised to what is best for the child.
- After completing the sessions, a follow up call will be made to find out if any more fire setting behaviour has occurred and to offer any further advice or support, we deem necessary. This may also involve signposting families to other agencies who can provide more specialists help or support and provide a consistent approach.
The sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs of all children and young people. Our team are experienced in working with children who have specialist health and/or educational needs and disabilities, and we plan our sessions carefully using selected and appropriate resources.
Who can refer?
- Parents/carers
- Schools
- Police
- Social services departments
- Youth offending teams
- Other professionals
How to get in touch
To apply to the Fire Setting Intervention Scheme, please complete the online form.
Apply to the Fire Setting Intervention Scheme
If you would like more information about this service, please contact:
- Telephone: 02476 314376
- Email: cfs@warwickshire.gov.uk