Firesetting - Fire safety support and education (FSSE)

Fire related antisocial behaviour is a serious issue. It puts lives and property at risk.
It also places extra pressure on emergency services.

Examples of this behaviour include:

• deliberate fire setting
• hoax calls
• hydrant abuse
• malicious fire alarm activations
• attacks on personnel

The FSSE programme works to address these behaviours through early intervention and education

The support is available for those who show unsafe interest in fire or engage in fire-related antisocial behaviour.

Its aim is to raise the young person’s awareness of the possible consequences of their actions. This includes the risk to them, their family, their communities and to Firefighters and divert them away from this behaviour.

This is delivered by specially trained Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel.

Where appropriate, the service can also include a Home Fire Safety Visit.

Support and education is available for young people under 18 years old.

However, we also encourage reports of any fire-related antisocial behaviour, regardless of age.

SFRS can provide support in other ways, including Home Fire Safety Visits.

Anyone can request support from the SFRS, including:

• Parents and carers
• Teachers and education staff
• Social work services
• Community learning and development workers
• Health professionals
• Police Scotland, Youth Justice, and partner agencies
• Members of the public

Get further Information for Partner Organisations.

Anyone who has a concerns about Fire Related Anti-Social behaviour should contact their local SFRS Community Action Team.

If you are working with the person on a professional basis, you should seek consent from the person with parental responsibility before passing us any personal details.

Once a referral is received, a Fire Safety Advisor will:

1. Discuss the nature of the concern and outline possible options
2. Contact the parent or carer, where appropriate, to explain the service and agree on next steps
3. If agreeable, arrange a suitable time and location to meet with the young person which is a safe environment such as at home, school, or a community venue
4. Deliver up to three tailored sessions, depending on individual needs.
5. Offer a Home Fire Safety Visit to ensure smoke alarms are working and the home is safe.

In complex cases involving significant trauma or multiple issues, SFRS may provide advice and signpost to other support services.

For more information, contact your local SFRS Community Action Team.

The Fire Safety Support and Education Privacy Notice explains how personal information is managed within the programme.