Starting fires seem like fun to kids but you can keep your children safe by making sure they understand how dangerous playing with fire can be.  They often don’t appreciate that a small fire can quickly get out of control and threaten their lives as well as others.

Deliberate fire setting puts us all at risk as fighting malicious fires takes valuable resources away from other serious incidents - such as a fire in your home.  Children who are starting the fires can suffer serious burns that can scar for life.

Historically the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy has a significant rise in the number of deliberate fires set during the school holidays. That is why firefighters are embarking on a joint project with Fife council community learning and development department who will work in partnership to tackle the issue. The project will take place within the Argos centre in Kirkcaldy on the 9^th-13^th July. The young people chosen to take part will play a Wii firefighting platform game detailing the pressures of a firefighters job they will be given help and guidance from fire crews at the centre. It will highlight to the young people the dangers of setting deliberate fires within their communities. It will be a fun and informative way to highlight the dangers of setting deliberate fires.

Fife Fire & Rescue Service invited primary seven pupils from two local schools, Torbain and Fair Isle, to design a poster to promote the event. A great response was received from both schools with the winner being chosen from Torbain primary.  The winner was Owen Henderson who received his prize for his innovative design. Owens poster will be used around the local area to publise the event.

 Crew Manager J. Dempsey from Kirkcaldy community safety department stated that “Firefighters whilst attending these types of fires are valuable resources taken away from their primary role of saving lives. Fumes from these fires are highly toxic and can kill or seriously damage your health or can cause serious burns.Also whilst we are attending these deliberate fires, a life-threatening incident could be developing and this could cost precious seconds and minutes, which could put lives in our communities at risk.”

Parents have a responsibility to make sure their children know how dangerous playing with fire can be.  If you think your child might be tempted to start fires, contact your local firefighters and they'll give you confidential help and advice.  Contact free phone 0808 100 3141.