Firesafe is our Firesetter Intervention Scheme aimed at helping children and young people understand and control the feelings and circumstances that lead them to set fires.

It has been running since 1995 and is designed to advise children and young people with firesetting behaviour. Our advisors will also help the child or young person to understand the results of their actions through a series of visits and educational exercises at the child's home or other neutral venue.

All of the advisors are employed by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and have various roles including firefighters and non-uniformed support staff. They are trained to work with firesetters and, partnered with their fire and rescue service experience, achieve excellent results.

Children who play with fire do so for various reasons. These can include genuine curiosity, attention seeking, anger and revenge. Without help and guidance, firesetting behaviour can become increasingly serious and lead to injury, damage to property and tragically, death.

Getting help for a child or young person is easy. You can contact us through the contact page please tick the Firesafe box and we will do the rest. Alternatively, you can contact us by email pthindal@derbys-fire.gov.uk or telephone 01332 771221.

Referrals will usually need the consent of a parent or carer.

Tell-tale signs of habitual firesetting:

• Small burn holes in carpets
• Charred paper in sinks or waste baskets
• Matches or lighters hidden in your child's room, school bag or coat
• An unusual fascination with fires
• Unexplainable fires in the home

Advice for parents and carers:

• Is your home safe for your children?
• Ensure your home has at least one smoke alarm installed for each floor in the property
• Keep matches and lighters safely out of reach of children
• Never leave children alone in the house
• Explain the dangerous nature of fire
• Teach your children to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire