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DFRS Logo Fire Kills Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

    working in partnership to make Dorset safer

Firesetters

Are you worried about a child or young person who may be:
  • showing an great interest in fire
  • starting fires (large or small)
  • showing evidence of burning items (for example in their bedroom outside)?
Talking to the child or young person early on is vital to stop the firesetting habit as soon as possible.
 
Firesetting is dangerous and we can help explain the dangers and consequences to the child or young person in a sensitive and informed manner with appropriate resources.
 
Early intervention with children/young people who are firesetting (together with their parents/carers) can greatly reduce the chances of firesetting re-occurring.

The objective of the scheme is to achieve a "fire safe" person and environment. This should reduce firesetter re-occurrence rates and reduce the risk to both the child and other members of the household.

Referrals regularly come from:
  • Concerned parents
  • School staff
  • A range of other agencies such as Youth Offending Teams.
To speak to somebody confidentially about the Firesetter Intervention Scheme:

Telephone 01305 252655
Fax: 01305 252799
Email: firesetters@dorsetfire.gsi.gov.uk
 
Or write to:
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
Firesetters Scheme Administrator
Service Headquarters
Peverell Avenue West
Poundbury
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 3SU

In the meanwhile please consider the advice below:

Matches and lighters - keep them out of reach and sight of children. Never leave young children alone in the home, even for a small periods of time.

Make sure you have working smoke alarms on each floor of the home, if you suspect a child or young person is setting fires we recommend that you consider fitting a smoke alarm in their bedroom.

Make sure you have an escape plan. How will you all get our of your home if there is a fire? Make sure everyone knows the escape plan and keep the escape routes clear of trip hazards. Click here for further advice on escape routes.

If there is a fire: Get out, Stay out and Call 999.

The scheme is primarily aimed at children and young people aged up to 18 years, although on occasions it is appropriate and desirable to extend the service to include adults. The intention is to provide fire education in partnership with the parent/carer.

The Firesetters Intervention Scheme is not a punishment and should not be viewed as such, the objective of the scheme is to achieve a "fire safe" person and environment. This should reduce firesetter re-occurrence rates and reduce the risk to both the child and other members of the household.

What Happens?

A pair of sensitive and informed advisors can arrange to meet you at your own home or another suitable venue. They will go through the referral process with you at this time but if you would like further information please contact us.

The Dorset Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) Firesetter Scheme is part of the Service's arson reduction strategy and has been developed in line with the Toolbox module produced by the National Community Fire Safety Centre. The scheme uses volunteer advisors employed by the Fire Authority.

 

 

 

 
Discuss what you should do if clothes catch fire:
  • Stop! stand still, don’t run about,
  • Drop! to the ground as quickly as possible and
  • Roll! about the ground to put the flames out.
Check out our home fire safety advice