Fire Service Tries to Stop Young Arsonists

92 young people were referred to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Centre's Firesetters Intervention Programme last year.

The scheme aims to re-educate youngsters who have been caught setting things alight. It works to help young people aged 18 and under understand their behaviour and its consequences. Arson reduction manager George Setter says its NOT about stigmatising them: "people musnt think that its unusual for young people to have a fascination with fire, films they watch can give children the impression that fire is very controllable."

He continued: "it's perfectly okay for a child to become interested we don't go in with a heavy hand. They learn more about us, they learn more about fire and how dangerous it can actually be."

To find out more about the Firesetters Intervention Programme click here