Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have Fire Service personnel who advise and educate children and young people of the dangers of fire and the consequences of their actions.
Advisors do not take part in counselling or chastising children.
Advisors will visit and give one to one fire safety education to the young person.
In addition, on the first visit the Brigade will offer a home fire safety survey.
Advisors will leave a contact card with the parents/guardians who will be advised to contact the scheme’s co-ordinator if the child continues to play with fire. Advisors may feel a second visit is required, but this would be discussed during our first visit.
After a three month period, advisors will make contact with parents/guardians to ascertain the effectiveness of the scheme. If the scheme has proved successful in preventing fire play then a certificate should be awarded to the child acknowledging their achievement.
If it is established either during the scheme or, when contact is made with the family at the end of the scheme, that the child is continuing to play with fire then consideration to involve other agencies may be necessary.
Tell tale signs of children or young people setting fires
- Small burn holes in carpets, charred paper in bedrroms, bins, or sinks
- Matches or lighters hidden in a bedroom or school bag
- An unusual fascination with fires
- Unknown fires in your home
Together we can reduce incidences of fire setting and arson and make our county a safer place to live
