Program Firestop

A juvenile firesetter is anyone under the age of 17 who is involved in the unsanctioned, non-instrumental use of fire. Firesetting by juveniles, regardless of the intention, is extremely dangerous. Each year, fires set by young people result in property damage, injuries and death.

Program Goals

The mission of Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services is to provide efficient, effective, and meaningful educational intervention for young firesetters and their families. It is our goal to reduce property damage and injuries, resulting from fires set by youth.

Educational Intervention

The Firestop Program relies on a referral system. School officials, fire personnel, police officers, social services, mental health services, juvenile justice organizations and families refer individuals engaged in firesetting to Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services.

Once an individual is enrolled in the voluntary program, a Community Relations Coordinator interviews the family and provides one-on-one fire safety education. Participants enrolled the fire safety course learn about fire behaviour and the consequences of fire play activity including burn injuries. Visual aids, videos, stories, posters and lectures are used to ensure that the learning needs of all participants are met.

Participants are also required to complete homework assignments focusing on the various lessons discussed during the course.

Community Relations Coordinators contact each child six months after the program is completed in order to monitor the child's success and the effectiveness of the program.

For more information on this program or to make a referral, please call 975-2574.