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Parent and guardian information

On child firesetting behaviour

Firesetting behaviour

How can I help?

  • Never leave matches or lighters around the house, even in pockets or handbags.
  • Lock them away or put them out of reach.

Tell your child from an early age:

  • never to touch matches and lighters;
  • they are dangerous and can burn;
  • they are for grown-ups with no exceptions.
 

Firesetting behaviour

Is my child curious?

Look for the signs:

  • Burnt matches lying around.

  • Burnt pieces of paper lying about.

  • Scorch marks on carpets or soft furnishings in their bedroom.

 

Firesetting behaviour

What can I do now?

  • Stay calm.
  • Don't frighten or punish your child for being curious.

However:

  • They must understand the danger they are in.
  • Talk about the consequences.
  • Seek help.
  • Talk to a trusted member of the family or a close friend.
 

Firesetting behaviour

Contact us

  • Don't panic.
  • Act promptly - help is only a phone call away.

Contact us in confidence:

  • Community Fire Safety: 023 8062 6809 (9 am until 5 pm)
  • Firesetters general number and voicemail: 023 8062 6739
  • Email: fast@hantsfire.gov.uk

Please see the Firesetter contact information if you would like to speak to a member of the team direct...

 

Firesetting behaviour

What happens now?

  • Most children show a natural interest and curiosity about fire.
  • Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has a team of dedicated "Firesetter Intervention Officers" who can help.
  • We work with individual children at home or school.
  • We do not punish children but help them to change their dangerous fire-setting behaviour.
  • Don't allow fire to destroy your family. The results can be devastating.

View information on making a referral...