What’s Involved?

It addresses within a problem solving framework issues such as: - Impulsive behaviour Empathy Alternative and creative thinking Consequential thinking It covers aspects such as making ill-informed decisions, and assumption making.  The programme develops the theme of victim awareness.  Within the framework of the programme there are assignments that can involve the whole family. Who's Involved We use a team of specialist education caseworkers, trained to deal with children and young people who have demonstrated a fascination with fire.  All the caseworkers are employees of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Referral Enquiries

Referrals may be received from a variety of sources.  Including:

1. Parents contacting Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service directly.
2. Other agencies such as the Police or Social Services.
3. Pupil Referral Units.
4. Care establishments such as Trehafod Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
5. Doctors and the Burns Unit at Morriston Hospital.
6. Fire Fighters
7. Youth Offending Teams

To make a referral please contact:

The Fire Setters Co-ordinator
Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service
Community Safety Headquarters Department
Sway Road
Morriston
Swansea
SA6 6JA

The immediate action of the programme is to provide the parent or guardian with interim Fire Safety measures that they can implement within their home.  Coupled with this Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will arrange to carry out a free Home Fire Risk Assessment and install smoke alarms if necessary.

It is designed to give guidance to parents and guardians concerned with children and young people involved in fire play by providing a structured education programme for youngsters and parental advice on how to stop fire play and fire setting behaviour.

Without the intervention of such a scheme fire setting behaviour could escalate, leading to serious consequences such as personal injury, damage to homes, schools and property.

The caseworker will visit the child after a time and date has been agreed with the parent or guardian.  Appropriate teaching aids will be used to educate the child in fire safety.  This will be identified in relation to the incident and also to meet the child’s learning style.  Follow up contact is made by the caseworker 2 – 3 weeks after the date of the initial visit.  If there has been no further incidents the case will be closed.

We use a team of specialist education caseworkers, trained to deal with children and young people who have demonstrated a fascination with fire.  All the caseworkers are employees of the Fire and Rescue Service and include fire fighters and support staff.  

Parents and guardians should be aware of the regular signs of fire setting, for example;

• Small burn holes in carpets, charred paper in sinks or wastebaskets.
• Matches or lighters hidden in a child’s cupboards and draws, under their bed or in their school bag.
• A child displays an unusual fascination with fire.
• Unknown fires in the home.

Fireplay behaviour in children and young people needs to be recognised and dealt with to ensure that it does not progress into adult hood.

Even if young children do not display any fire setting behaviour they may be fascinated by fire, blowing out their birthday candles or watching an adult lighting a cigarette.  It is not uncommon for children as young as two to show an interest in fire and / or mimic the action of their parents or guardians.

With this curiosity there becomes a need for parents and guardians to take fire safety precautions, to make the home a safer place for children.

Some basic fire safety advice for parents and guardians would be;

• Never leave a child alone in a room where there is a candle burning, an open fire heater or in the kitchen when the cooker is on.
• Keep all lighters and smoking material out of reach of children. Even toddlers and infants are capable of lighting a match or lighter - be safe not sorry!
• Use fixed guards around open fires and heaters when children are about.
• Do not tempt a child to get close to a fire by putting items that they might want to touch or see on the mantelpiece.
• Teach children to stay away from fire of any kind.
• Explain that fire is a tool not a toy.
• The need for smoke alarms. It is recommended that an alarm is fitted in every room of the house except the bathroom, toilet and kitchen.
• Test smoke alarms weekly by pushing the test button and change the battery once a year or when you need to.
• Make a home fire safety plan with your family and practice it.