New guidance turns up the heat on young fire setters
The very real threat of some young people’s malicious fire-related behaviour is being tackled today.
Publication of new guidance is being launched by the Youth Justice Board (YJB), Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
A large number of fire-related incidents are related to young people*:
· The total cost to the economy in England and Wales of arson incidents started by under 18s is over £470m;
· 31 per cent of arson incidents on domestic properties were started by under 18s;
· Hoax calls to the fire service (mainly attributed to young people) cost the economy £81m.
The Prevention Programmes and Fire and Rescue Services guidance and case studies show how the Fire and Rescue Service can work with local youth offending teams (YOTs). The guidance focuses on prevention activities that maximise resources, avoid duplication and educate and inspire the young people who are most at risk of committing offending or anti-social behaviour connected with fire.
Strategic Director and County Fire Officer, William Brown said:
“I am very pleased that this guidance has been delivered and hope that the work of fire fighters and volunteers in Warwickshire with young people will now be replicated through out the country. We have been working with young people here in Warwickshire for some time now and continue to be involved with the Youth Justice Board and Youth Offending Team in a number of initiatives that have improved the lives of young people and their families across Warwickshire.’
Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Richard Hobbs said: “Too much of our response work, such as hoax calls and vehicle-related arson, is caused by young people. By focusing attention on these young people through local projects, such as the young firefighters association, Safe and Flare, we are reducing the risk – and cost – to the community.”
Angela Smith, Minister for the Fire and Rescue Service at DCLG, said: “This guidance shares the experience and resources already gained in preventing young people committing fire-related crime. The guidance will help the Fire and Rescue Service to make a stronger contribution to tackling disadvantage and preventing crime, improve community safety and the life chances of young people.”