Pilot scheme set to launch at Easter
A scheme aimed at educating young people on the dangers of nuisance fire setting is being launched in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth this Easter.
The pilot scheme, FYRE (Fire Service and Youth Recreational Engagement) has been established by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) as part of a drive to educate young people about small fires, anti-social behaviour and nuisance fire setting.
Throughout the Easter holidays between 29 March to 9 April 2010, young people from across the North of the County will be able to attend drop in activity days at a range of venues, including Polesworth Park, Jubilee Leisure Centre, Vale View, Grove Farm and Coleshill Skate park.
At each of the events, children and young people will be encouraged to take part in physical activities to enhance team building, team working and problem solving amongst their peers. This will be done in a fun and competitive way with teams working together to beat the Fire Fighters in the tasks they are given.
Young People’s Initiative Manager, Gary Smith said:
“The main aim of the pilot is to work with young people who live in areas which historically suffer from high numbers of deliberate small fires, nuisance fire setting and other antisocial behaviour.
“The disruption caused by this type of anti social behaviour is a major problem for both the community and emergency services and we want to work with young people to help them to understand the dangers caused by deliberate fire setting. We also hope that this will be another opportunity to breakdown barriers between the emergency services and the younger members of our community”
Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs said:
“The FYRE programme is a great initiative which will not only provide diversionary activities for children and young people in the area, but it will also provide an informal way to put across fire safety and community safety messages in an informal and friendly environment. “
For further information on fire safety initiatives log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/firenadresuce