Juvenile Fire Setters

The Youth Fire-setter Prevention & Intervention (YFPI) is a program of the City of Russell Fire Department, in conjunction with the City of Russell Police Department.

This is a coordinated effort with the City of Russell Police Department, whose purpose of memberships is to bring together representation of law enforcement and fire service, to curb the rising incidents of arson and other fire-related crimes codes.

Referrals:

Once the YFPI Administrator has received the referral, contact will be made with the parents/guardians to schedule an intake and assessment appointment. At least one parent/guardian must attend the meeting with their child to decide what appropriate action should be taken. The parent/guardian must agree to help their child and complete the necessary documents.

Screening:

YFPI utilizes the screening tool developed by FEMA and USFA. The screening tool assesses the risk of involvement in future fire-setting behavior among youth ages 5-18. The Child and Family Risk Surveys are conducted separately. Questions are asked exactly as written to conform to the validated protocol, in which six areas describing the individual’s characteristics are evaluated (see pages 11-14)

Based on the scored results of the evaluation, the youth will be placed in one of the following areas of concern:

• Score 429-511= Some Risk
• Score 511-540= Definite Risk
• Score 540=Extreme/Pathological

Any youth fire-setters who score above 511 will be referred to therapy by a licensed therapist or Mental Health Services.  When a youth is referred out for additional services, additional forms will need to be completed.

Classes will be separated in the following age groups:

The 5-10 year olds will learn about escape plans, fire drills, smoke alarms, how to be a hero, and tour the Hazmat trailer along with the first out structure fire trucks. 

The 11-14 year olds will learn about Children + Fire = Arrest, thinking errors, how much fire costs, fire drills, problem solving skills, the high costs of a criminal record, family escape plan, and family meetings. 

The 15-18 year olds will complete WHO, WHAT, WHY, & WHEN: they will describe their fire and explain ways they can avoid being involved with fire in the future; learning to be leaders and advise others not to play with fire. 

Parents will be educated on their roles in keeping their families safe, as well as learning who is responsible for cost recovery fees, and who is legally responsible for their child’s fire-setting, set up exit  an plan,  and the importance of working smoke detectors.