Training Surrey Fire & Rescue Service in the Firesetters Integrated Responsive Educational Programme (FIRE-P)

There is a dearth of provision for intervening with adults with convictions for deliberate firesetting, and educational interventions are a common strategy with juvenile firesetters. The Firesetters' Integrated Responsive Educational Programme (FIRE-P) is unique example of an educational programme for adults. The FIRE-P was designed in Hampshire and is intended to be run by fire service professionals. The consultant was commissioned to co-deliver, with the lead from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (FRS), three days of workshop-based training to Surrey FRS. Eight fire professionals were trained, all community safety officers.

At the end of the training all participants stated that they were aware of the key concepts, and the post-course knowledge check showed a 48% increase in scores on average compared to pre-training (range: 33%-75% increase). Shadowing and ongoing support will next be provided to support the embedding of skills and practices.