00:03parents in darlington are being urged to speak to their children following a fire setting incident in cockerton park which
00:10left a young boy injured
00:11police say a twelve year old is now under investigation for arson after the incident which was captured on cctv
00:17it comes after previous vandalism in the park caused significant damage and changes to play equipment authorities say they are
00:25stepping up efforts to prevent further incidents as the warmer months approach
00:29police say the incident happened on the evening of saturday april the 18th where a boy was seen attempting to
00:36start a fire in cockerton park and suffered burns to his hands following these events police and the local council
00:43and fire service say they are working together to prevent further incidents with extra patrols and joint activity in hotspot
00:50areas they say the aim is both prevention and education as the warmer months approach with a focus on early
00:57intervention and community awareness
00:59particularly in parks and recreational spaces authorities are also urging parents and carers to be aware of where children are
01:06and to have conversations about fire safety emphasizing the potential consequences of fire setting behavior including risk to life property
01:15and wildlife officers say coordinated patrols and community engagement will continue across the area alongside education work in schools and
01:24outreach with families
01:25the fire service the fire service says deliberate fire setting is not a game and can put pressure on emergency
01:31resources when crews are called to avoidable incidents they also warn that arson is a criminal offense which can result
01:39in prosecution and have long-term implications for education and employment opportunities community leaders say residents can also play a
01:48role in prevention by reporting suspicious activity and using anonymous reporting channels such as fire stoppers which is available
01:55online and by phone officials say reassurance patrols will continue in cockerton park and surrounding neighborhoods the tine and weir
02:04fire and rescue service website details some signs to look out for in regards to fire setting behavior in young
02:11people these signs include burning holes in curtains carpets or clothing charred paper in sinks or waste baskets and unexplained
02:20fires in or near your home in order to help educate those in your family it's recommended
02:25to talk calmly with children to talk calmly with children about fire risks and consequences also explaining that matches and
02:32lighters are only for adult use it's recommended to lock matches or lighters away or to keep out of reach
02:38where possible the tine and weir fire and rescue service and the county durham and darlington fire and rescue service
02:44have their own fire safety interventions wherein they support children and young people up to the age of 18 in
02:51order to change risky fire starting behavior
02:54referrals can be made online
02:57you
02:57you
Comments