FireCare

FireCare is a free, confidential service offered by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service for children and young people exhibiting fire-setting behaviours. This service is available to individuals aged 3 to 17 years.

FireCare sessions involves one to one session with a child or young person that has been fire setting. These sessions vary to suit the family's needs, they can be delivered at home or if agreed by all parties at school or in a community setting to ensure the sessions are conducted to suit the child/young person's needs.

The number of sessions varies from case to case and will be mutually agreed by the fire care advisor and the parent/guardian when they should be concluded. We aim to educate the child/young person on fire setting and the family on fire safety in the home. For young people with more complex problems, we will make a series of visits, referring to other agencies when appropriate. We can deliver sessions in conjunction with both City and County agencies at their request, e.g. Youth Offending Teams and Family Support Workers.

We will accept referrals from anybody, but permission from parents or guardian must be sought. To make a referral, complete an online referral form on Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service website or contact Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, on 0116 210 5555 and ask for the safeguarding team.

When making a referral, please supply a contact address and telephone number for the family and as much detail as possible regarding the child/young person we hope to be working with.

How to refer

Fri, 17 May 2024 15:30

We will accept referrals from anybody, but the permission of the parent and/or guardian must be given. To make a referral, complete the online referral form below and post it to: Children and Safeguarding, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, 12 Geoff Monk Way, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BU

FireCare Referral Form

Alternatively, you can contact the Safeguarding team on 0116 210 5555

What do we mean by fire setting?

Fri, 17 May 2024 15:31

Fire setter is a term used to describe people who start fires deliberately. Children's natural fascination with fire can lead to devastating consequences if left unchecked. Many fires in the home are started by young unattended children playing with matches or lighters. Did you know that around 50% of the fires attended by our Service have been caused deliberately? It is a sad fact that the majority of these fires are caused by children or young people. It is crucial to address this problem at an early age. If left unchecked, the nine to thirteen year old children who are responsible for most small nuisance fires, such as bin fires, may progress to committing serious arson offences in the future.

How can parents reduce the risk of their children being fire setters?

Fri, 17 May 2024 15:31

Education – fire is not a toy, it is a tool. It is dangerous and can kill. Only adults should use fire and even they have to follow safety rules.
Teach children to alert adults when they see matches or lighters lying around.
Control children's access to fire and keep matches and lighters away from children. Never leave candles or fires burning when children are unattended, even for a few minutes.

Set a good example:

Always use safety rules when making or using fire, and point out the rules during the course of your day.
Fit smoke alarms, test them and ensure they have working batteries.
Draw up a 'fire plan' (home fire escape route drill) and practice it with the whole family.
Reassure children that if a fire does start for any reason, they must not be frightened to tell an adult and they should all 'get out, stay out, and call 999'.
Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.

Download our FireCare leaflet below:

FireCare Leaflet