CHILDREN deliberately starting fires has contributed to a documented rise in arson incidents, it has emerged – sparking a reminder from the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service of the “significant damage” that can be caused.
Responding to a written question from Deputy Karen Wilson, Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said that there were 45 statutory arson offences recorded last year, compared to 18 in 2023.
She said the increase was “primarily due to young people setting fires in various locations, including public toilets”.
Additionally, the number of deliberate fires identified as being caused by children aged between ten and 17-years-old rose from 14 in 2023 to 22 last year.
The latter figures for 2023 and 2024 both include five “primary fires”, which usually involve a risk to life, property, or require a significant response.
Deputy Le Hegarat said: “The States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service takes a proactive and preventative approach to this risk, delivering fire setting and arson training and education to all primary school Year 4 classes, and secondary school Year 8 classes, which highlights the dangers, risks and impacts associated with fire setting and arson.
“The focus of this input is to protect the children and to reduce the number of instances of fire setting and arson related anti-social behaviour in their communities.”
She noted that children and young people identified as needing support could also be referred to the JFRS for an intervention.
“This is usually requested by the Police or Children’s Services but can be from family members or schools,” the Minister continued.
“In the last three years, four children have received support from members of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service in direct relation to fire setting.”
She added that the number of children referred to the JFRS was low because it is “often difficult to identify who is responsible for causing a primary or secondary fire”.
Watch Commander Phil Falle, from the SJFRS Fire Safety Department, warned that even “low-level” fires were capable of causing “significant damage” and could sometimes be “a stepping stone to much more serious behaviours”.
He said: “While these fires may appear minor, they pose real dangers – not only to our firefighters, whose safety is at risk – but also to the broader community, as they can draw vital resources away from other emergencies.
“The risks are even greater during the warmer, drier months, when fires can escalate quickly and unpredictably.”
He continued: “As part of our commitment to keeping the community safe, we regularly visit schools to raise awareness among young people.
“Our SPARKS and Building a Safer Community programmes, tailored for Year 4 and Year 8 students, help educate them about the serious consequences of fire-related behaviour.
“We also encourage parents to visit our website, where they can find helpful guidance if they have concerns about their child’s actions or want to learn more about how to support fire safety at home.”
A spokesperson for the States police said: “SoJP is alert to this issue and patrol officers are briefed to keep an eye on areas where young people congregate and where incidents such as this have occurred in the past in an effort to prevent issues before they develop.
“Following a spate of such offences last year, SoJP identified and prosecuted those responsible. Since then, there has been a marked reduction, with levels broadly in line with those of previous years.”
