Arson Prevention In Aboriginal Youth

Preventing arson and promoting fire safety in Aboriginal youth.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is launching Project Firefly from February 4-7 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay.
Constable Chris Carson says it’s a training opportunity for police and other community-based agencies who will address the issue in their own communities.
The project will also initiate the TAPP-C Program, which is the arson prevention program for children aged 7-12.
According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, 75% of children and youth who complete the TAPP-C program have had no other involvement in fires.
Carson adds up until this point there has not been this type of program for Aboriginal youth, considering every year since 2005 they have seen an increase in arson related fires.
In 2010 there were 202 fires and in 2011 it dropped to 140.
Ontario’s Proceeds of Crime Front Line Policing Grant has provided $100,000 in funding for Project Firefly.