Home

Children and deliberate fires

Each year many lives, homes and property are damaged by children starting fires.

Children are fascinated by the glow of real fire, blowing out their birthday candles or even watching an adult light up a cigarette. Children as young as two show an interest in fire.

Without help and guidance, this interest can lead to the child deliberately starting fires – ‘firesetting’, with terrible results.

Is your child fascinated by fire?

Our Firesetters team help young people understand and control their feelings and the circumstances that led them to firesetting. At the same time we teach them fire safety awareness. All our advisors are fully trained and employed by the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service. They normally work in pairs and will provide information, support, advice and training to you and your child.

Advisors can visit you at home if you like, or we can arrange to meet you at a community centre or similar location where the young person feels comfortable. How long the visits last and how many times we meet depends on the circumstances and problems involved - your advisor will discuss this with you.

The tell-tale signs of firesetting behaviour

·         Small burn holes in carpets, charred paper in sinks or wastebaskets.

·         Matches or lighters hidden in your child's cupboard or under his/her bed.

·         An unusual fascination with fires.

·         Fires of unknown origin in your home.

If you would like more information about this service please telephone the Community Safety Team on 647303

Fire Safety Information for non-English speaking people

Terms of use

     Copyright © IOMFRS 2011