Prevalence and profiles of persistent firesetters following a targeted fire safety intervention program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Young firesetter behaviour poses serious risks to individuals and communities. This study explored differences in the rate of ongoing firesetting behaviour and differences between persistent and non-persistent firesetters after their participation in the Firelighting Consequences Awareness Program, in Victoria, Australia. Pre-intervention fire-specific, familial, and psychosocial risk factors were investigated for 61 firesetter cases (5–17 years). Persistent firesetting (i.e. matchplay and/or firesetting behaviour) was identified in one-third of the sample (32.8%) at 12-month post-intervention follow up. Compared to non-persistent firesetters, persistent firesetters scored significantly higher on a pre-existing parent-report firesetter risk screening tool (Family Risk Survey), but not the child-report equivalent (Child Risk Survey). Parents of persistent firesetters also reported their children were younger at firesetting onset, reported greater past involvement with firesetting, and endorsed elevated levels of internalising, externalising and social issues. Findings suggest that young people at greatest risk of continuing to light fires have an increased history of fire engagement, and complex psychosocial concerns that are both overt and discrete. A valid and reliable screening measure is pivotal to providing effective intervention that caters for the complex needs of these young people.