F.I.R.S.T Fire Intervention Referral Safety Team
The Duluth Fire Department is the lead agency of the Fire Intervention Safety Team. This group includes experts from law enforcement, fire departments, probation services, social services, the court system and clergy members, who are willing to share their knowledge to help educate youth firesetters. During this class, adolescents are taught fire safety behaviors and good decision making. The team's mission is to provide education intervention to youth that exhibit fire setting behaviors, while educating parents on how to help their children stay safe from fires. This reduces the incidence of property loss, injury, and death due to fires set by youths.
Troubled children may set many small fires that are extinguished by parents, teachers and other caregivers. Many of these fires go unreported to the fire departments or law enforcement. Each youth set fire set shows a lack of understanding about how powerful a fire can be and poses a significant risk to the child and others. All youth-set fires should be seen as red flags.
If you know a youth who is playing with fire, please give them the opportunity to attend this free class. It could prevent the loss of property and even save lives. Learn what can be done to prevent this tragedy from happening to you or someone you love.