Warwickshire News Mine

In collaboration with local borough and district Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have arranged a number of interactive plays called “Sparx” ‘to be staged at specific secondary schools within the county prior to the Halloween and Bonfire night. This is a peak period for nuisance fire activity and anti social behaviour attended by both the Fire and Rescue Service and Police.

As part of the play, ‘Sparks’ looks at the serious dangers fire setting can be to those involved and the possible consequences of these actions.  The play demonstrates to young people how quickly deliberate fires often get out of hand, damaging property or causing serious injury - even death. It also highlights the disruption caused to the community and the Fire and Rescue Service, who attend over 1,500 small fires per year. This obviously has a huge affect on the service, as a fire appliance can’t be in two places at once, which means that they are unable to attend more serious incidents.

Schools taking part are all within areas where there are high numbers of deliberate fires - an estimated 90% of which are started by children and young people between the ages of 11 and 16.

Young People Initiatives Manager, Gary Smith said:
“We are really pleased to be working with Sparx Productions. It is essential that young people understand the consequences of arson and learn more about the devastating effects deliberate fire setting does cause. The message is also reinforced that a fire appliance cannot be in two places at once, meaning crews cannot attend more serious incidents where a life may need to be saved!  This is a particularly busy time of year for Fire and Rescue across the country and we know only too well how dangerous fires are and how quickly they become out of control.”

The play will be running at the following schools:

* Monday: 12/10/2009
9:15am: Manor Park, Nuneaton
1:30pm: Campion School, Nuneaton

* Tuesday: 13/10/2009
9am: Hartshill School, Nuneaton
1.30pm: Nicholas Chamberlaine, Nuneaton

* Wednesday: 14/10/2009
9am, Myton School, Warwick
1.30pm: Avon Valley, Rugby

* Thursday: 15/10/2009
8.50am, Polesworth School, North Warwickshire
2pm, Etone School, Nuneaton

* Friday: 16.10.2009
Harris School, Rugby
Bilton School, Rugby

Link to WCC