Fire starting behaviour in children

Take action if you are worried about a child who displays fire-setting behaviour. Whatever their motive, fire setting should never be ignored. Most children have a natural curiosity about fire which can show as young as two years old. However, sometimes, this interest in fire can escalate and develop into something more serious.

Our Fire Safety Intervention Programme works with children and young people up to the age of 18, who play with or show an unhealthy interest in setting fires. It aims to help them understand and control the feelings and circumstances that lead them to set fire and supports positive changes to their behaviour.

Signs to look out for

There are some tell-tale signs that may show fire starting behaviour. Look out for:

  • small burn holes in carpets, beds and furniture
  • charred paper in sinks or bins
  • matches or lighters hidden in cupboards, drawers or under their bed
  • unexplained fires in your home.

Who is the service for?

Any child or young person up to the age of 18 living in Devon or Somerset. We can provide support for fire safety education to referring partners such as; parents, carer’s, teachers, social workers, youth teams, Police, Youth Justice Service, Childrens’ Care Home providers, health teams and operational fire service staff, and anyone else who works with or is concerned about a child or young person in their care.

What about children with different needs?

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.

The service we provide

  • Our specialist team provides educational intervention to raise awareness of the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety to keep themselves safe.
  • The sessions help children identify strategies to help them make informed decisions, whilst recognising the wider impact that choices of behaviour can have on themselves and others.
  • We provide advice for parents and carer’s through one of our free Home Fire Safety Visits.
  • We work with referring partner’s and multi-agencies to ensure a joint consistent approach is being met and carry out relevant signposting when and where appropriate.

What to expect

The help and support we provide is tailored to the child or young person.

  • When a referral has been received with consent from a parent/carer you will be contacted by the Fire Safety Intervention Team.
  • Our first aim is to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) where appropriate. (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 HFSV)
  • 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 Safety Intervention (FSI) Advisor
  • They will contact the appropriate person to identify what’s been happening and the best form of engagement to provide our fire safety education sessions.
  • There can be one to five sessions, lasting between 30 – 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’s best for the child.

How to make a referral

If you need help, our support is easy and free. All information is kept secure on our safeguarding system and we will respond to you within seven working days.

Simply fill in our Referral Form and send it to FSIreferrals@dsfire.gov.uk

Confidentiality and information sharing

We respect an individual’s right to confidentiality. If there is a significant risk of harm to an individual or others, we may share this information with appropriate services to safeguard and support them and where possible, this will be discussed with them beforehand.​​​​​

Advice for parents and carers if a child is starting fires

  • Store matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children and young people.
  • Don’t leave children alone in the house, even for short amounts of time.
  • Look for lighters or matches in bedrooms and school bags.
  • Keep outbuildings, garages and sheds locked so flammable items are out of reach.
  • Explain that fire is a tool, not a toy.
  • Explain that fire is dangerous. It can cause harm and may lead to death.
  • Make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms, so you’re alerted to any firesetting.
  • Make a fire escape plan with your household.

Support for parents, carers and professionals working with children

Our team also offers guidance to parents, carers, and professionals concerned about a child or young person playing with fire. We can also put you in touch with other organisations that can help with other support your child may need.

We can visit schools, homes or other establishments as necessary. We would need the permission of parents/carers before we carry out any visit.