Fire setters intervention scheme

It is estimated that children start approximately one in every four fires in London. Our juvenile firesetters intervention scheme aims to tackle this issue as part of our overall strategy to reduce arson.

Children and young people start to play with fire for various reasons, ranging from natural curiosity to attention-seeking. Without help and guidance, fire setting behaviour can increase and lead to more serious consequences such as serious personal injury and damage to homes, schools and property.

The London Fire Brigade's Fire Setter Intervention Scheme is designed to address fire setting behaviour amongst children and young people aged up to and including 17 years. Our specialist team of advisors are trained to deal with children and young people who have demonstrated a fascination with fire. Since the scheme started in 2001, the Brigade's skilled advisors have visited over 700 young people in their homes.

The scheme offers education and advice for both children and young people and their parents and guardians. Now, after a successful three years of operation, the Brigade's Juvenile Fire Setters Intervention Scheme (JFIS) is looking to expand.

We can arrange for our advisors to come and meet with the child or young person and their parents either in the home or other location. The number of visits we make and the precise way in which we deal with the child or young person will vary depending on the circumstances and problems involved.

The scheme only deals with fire-setting behaviour of children or young people. All advisors are employed by the LFEPA and are fully trained volunteers to the scheme. The advisors include firefighters and administrative staff.

We have produced a leaflet [ PDF 245kb] which contains helpful advice and information if you think your child is fascinated by fire. Or you can contact us to find out more about our scheme:

Joanna Foster
Community Fire Safety
London Fire Brigade

email: joanna.foster@london-fire.gov.uk

back to top