A hard-hitting video that shows the terrifying speed at which a fire can get out of control is being used to help cut arson attacks.
The live fire demonstration – filmed under the supervision of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) – reveals how a mocked-up bedroom becomes engulfed in flames in under 3 minutes. As the window cracks, a rush of oxygen causes the blaze to intensify, with temperatures rising to more than 1,000c within seconds.
It was filmed as part of a pioneering partnership between HIWFRS and the University of Portsmouth and is aimed at arsonists to educate them about the dangers of fire.
None of those who have completed the Firesetters’ Integrated Responsive Educational Programme (FIRE-P) programme have gone on to commit another arson offence – with the success now being shared with other fire and rescue services across the country.
FIRE-P manager, Shane Blampied, said:
“The success of FIRE-P is making life safer for people across our communities.
“Our partners from the University of Portsmouth have played a vital role in making sure the programme has been developed and evaluated, so that we know it really works.
“It has been of huge benefit to the Service and at the same time the course helps participants when they are looking at housing and job prospects on their release so they can be helped to move on with their lives.”
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HIWFRS’ Assistant Director for prevention and protection, Area Manager Jason Avery, said:
“Some of those who commit arson offences have no idea about how quickly a fire can get out of control, ultimately putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death.
“The courts now have the option to impose a mandatory requirement for an offender to participate in FIRE-P as part of a custodial or non-custodial sentence.“We are very proud of the success of FIRE-P and are looking forward to sharing it with other fire and rescue services across the country.”
The 8-session programme focuses on different elements of fire-setting, including the mechanics of fire and the motives and consequences of arson, before the participant has a session on victim awareness and empathy.
The educational based awareness training has been created for those who are known within the Criminal Justice System, have a history of arson or are considered to have an unusual fascination with fire.
Dr Dominic Pearson, from the University of Portsmouth, said:
“People who set fires deliberately are known to be ill-educated regarding fire safety and the wider consequences of firesetting.
“The FIRE-P fills a void in such intervention programmes with adults outside secure psychiatric facilities.
“While more needs to be done, our research shows that the success of the programme in Hampshire far-exceeds predictions based on the offenders’ profiles.”
Already endorsed and adopted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Criminal Justice Board as a formal criminal justice sanction, courts have the option to impose a mandatory requirement for an offender to participate in FIRE-P as part of a custodial sentence or community order.
I would wager that it would be more beneficial to cut arson on the Island by not having such an accomodating planning committe when a building is burnt out to then give permission to cram to the max as many homes as possible where once, only one hotel or large home stood.
As for true arsonists, the more the risk is shown, the greater their status with chav friends when the light up any building. They don’t think as normal right minded folk do, so this imo will deter no-one.