Grassland arsonists face courses of therapy
COURSES targeted at people who have started fires, and face-to-face meetings between them and victims, are part of the ongoing battle to stop deliberate grass fires.
The “fire setters’ intervention courses” are targeted at people who have started fires in the past. They use elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (talking therapy) and restorative justice.
Increased patrols in the areas affected by blazes, as well as school outreach programmes, are also among the measures being taken.
There have been a large number of grass fires in the South Wales area during recent weeks.
It was reported at the end of March that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service had attended more than 70 grass fires in the space of 48 hours, with one spreading to the size of more than 160 rugby pitches. It was said the “majority” were set deliberately.
Speaking about the scheme, head of fire crime Matthew Jones said it has been very effective, especially with young people who have started fires.
He said: “We run a fire setters’ intervention course, which is targeted at people who have started fires in the past.
“It’s about helping them understand why they did what they did and the impact it had.
“So it includes elements of CBT [cognitive behavioural therapy] and restorative justice, so they can see the impact of their behaviour.”
The fire service is also conducting more patrols, with South Wales Police, in the areas recently affected by the fires.
Mr Jones said the patrols serve two purposes – to educate and to warn potential arsonists of the consequences of setting a fire.
“It’s about engaging with landowners and communities to let them know we are actively dealing with the problem,” he said.
“But it is also about making sure that people know that if you burn grass out of season then that is arson.
“Arson is a crime, so you will be prosecuted.”
He warned that those setting fires deliberately were threatening people’s lives.
He said: “Your actions may be taking fire services away from your community when a member of your family or your friends need them. By setting grass fires you are putting people’s lives and livelihoods at risk.”
He also asked members of the public to keep an eye out.
He said: “Members of the public can help us. If you see somebody up on a hillside that shouldn’t be there or is acting suspiciously, please call the police or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”