Fire Safety Lesson For Lynn Youngsters
Posted: 27th Aug 2008
Children living in a part of King's Lynn affected by a series of arsons have been given a special safety lesson to help extinguish any interest in fire.
The event was held in response to a series of low level fires on and around the Fairstead Estate, believed to have been caused by youngsters playing with fire.
In the past three months, Lynn firefighters and members of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team have been called to numerous reports of small fires to wheelie bins, dog litter bins and small piles of rubbish.
Some fires have been lit perilously close to properties or combustible containers - posing a risk of injury or worse to those living nearby.
Members of the Gaywood, Fairstead and Reffley Safer Neighbourhood Team, which patrols the estate, joined forces with local fire officers and youth workers to offer the one-off fire safety session to educate one group youngsters to the dangers posed.
The session, held at King's Lynn Fire Station during the school break, was attended voluntarily by a small group of 10 to 14-year-olds, some accompanied by their parents.
PCSO Ryan Williams, who helped organise the event said: "The session was held so the youngsters could learn some important fire safety tips and help spread the message among their peers of the consequences of playing with fire.
"Our main concern is for the safety of the children and local residents. We were pleased to team up with the fire service to offer this lesson in fire safety.
The fires are generally lit in the early evening, with the areas of Woodside, West Field and Springwood forest most affected.
Fire safety officer Tim Edwards, who led the event, said: "Children very often have no idea of the risk to themselves and others and the damage that can be caused from a single match.
"During the session, the youngsters were involved in discussion and fun team-building games which fully demonstrated the risk to themselves and others and help eliminate some of the curiosity."
The SNT will continue to work with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service to identify those responsible and take necessary action.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team, either on patrol, at their street briefing events or by phone on 0845 456 4567.
Parents and carers can obtain further details on teaching their youngsters fire safety skills at http://www.firekills.gov.uk/ or at http://www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk/
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