File photo / Matt C, Unsplash.
The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) has launched a new Youth Firesetting Prevention Program aimed at addressing unsafe fire-setting behavior among young people. The program pairs education and behavioral health support with intervention that may help eligible youth avoid formal court proceedings, the county announced Oct. 12.
The program was established July 1. It brings together the FMO, the Juvenile Court Service Unit (CSU) and Prince William County Community Services to provide education, behavioral health support and individualized intervention based on each participant’s needs.
Filling a gap
The FMO previously relied on youth firesetting prevention programs in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Both counties closed their programs to outside agencies in 2025, leaving Prince William County without a local diversion program for eligible youth. According to the county, running the program locally also gives Prince William greater oversight of the services provided to its young people.
“Members of the FMO identified this gap and took action to create a path to help young people in need rather than sending them straight into formal criminal process and likely to the Juvenile Detention Center,” said Prince William County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Mike Hubbel. “The goal is to identify youth who need additional support, address their individual needs and help prevent future fire-setting or criminal behavior.”
How it works
The FMO worked with CSU and Community Services to develop five pathways based on each youth’s circumstances and needs. Options range from cases handled directly by the FMO to fire safety education, behavioral health evaluation or standard processing through the juvenile justice system. Youth who are encountered by a county fire marshal for fire-setting behavior are assessed to determine the appropriate response.
Depending on the circumstances, education, behavioral health treatment or other interventions may be directed through the juvenile intake process instead of formal court proceedings. Youth who do not complete required program components may be referred back to juvenile intake for formal processing and potential adjudication. The FMO, the Prince William County Police Department and Community Services may identify youth who could benefit from the program, and other agencies may contact the FMO for an assessment and recommendations.
The educational component draws on national standards and state and regional practices to help participants understand the consequences of fire-setting and make safer decisions. Participants learn about the potential for physical harm, property damage, costs to emergency responders and the community, and potential legal consequences.
Behavioral health treatment
When behavioral health treatment is appropriate, the New Horizons Community-Based Program may refer youth to the Youth Firesetting Treatment Service, part of the Youth Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division within Community Services.
The treatment service is for youth ages 10 to 17 who have pending fire-setting charges or who have recently set a fire deemed significant enough for enrollment, and who are experiencing challenges related to recent trauma, a diagnosed mental health condition, substance use, co-occurring disorders or behavioral well-being. Services are individualized to meet the needs of each youth and family.
“The Youth Firesetting Prevention Program is about more than addressing the fire-setting behavior itself,” said Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Thomas LaBelle. “By bringing education, behavioral health services and early intervention together, we can better understand what each young person needs, connect them and their families with the right support, and help prevent future incidents.”
What parents can do
Parents and guardians who are concerned about a young person’s fire-setting behavior do not need to wait for an incident to involve the Fire Marshal’s Office. Families are encouraged to seek help through their child’s health care provider, school counselor or Community Services. If a provider determines the program may be appropriate, the FMO can assess the situation and help determine next steps.
More information is available on the county’s Youth Firesetting Prevention Program page.
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