ACTION
London Fire Brigade's (LFB) Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Scheme started in 2001, inspired by a training manual by educational psychologist Andrew Muckley. Its seven-strong team addresses children and teenagers' dangerous interactions with fire: from fire play sparked by curiosity, to deliberate or impulsive firesetting triggered by mental health, family, social and behavioural issues. Team leader Helen Lloyd-Williams says firesetting can be a "cry for help" from young people not otherwise feeling heard, sometimes experiencing abuse, neglect, bereavement or difficult transitions. LFB youth intervention manager Divya Patel says it can also be "a coping mechanism, or form of re-gaining control".
Under-18s are referred by parents, schools or professionals including social workers or youth offending teams. Caseworkers build a picture of the contributing issues, helped by social care casefiles and other documents. They visit parents or carers, building understanding of home life and behaviour and providing fire-safety advice, such as keeping lighters out of reach.
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