Fire setting in the custodial environments: developing the evidence base for improving fire safety in prisons
Authors: Liell Glenda C. , Gilson Emma , Pryor Deborah A.S. , Rewaj Chloe 
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The HMPPS National Fire Safety Team commissioned three research studies from HMPPS National Psychology Services to explore fire setting in prisons. The purpose of this paper is to share the outcomes of these studies which explored the characteristics of known fire-setters; the act of repeat fire setting and its relationship to fire severity and level of injury; and the triggers for fire-setting incidents in prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative matched-groups design allowed for a direct comparison between 100 known adult male fire-setters and 100 adult males in prison who had not set fires. The second study identified 4,003 fire-setting incidents recorded in Sphera Cloud. It used a series of categorical variables to explore repeat custodial fire setting and its relationship to fire severity and level of injury sustained. The third study was qualitative, comprising seven semi-structured interviews with adult males in custody.

Findings

Mental illness, being supported via a Challenge, Support and Intervention Plan, and self-harm history predicted fire setting in custody, with the statistical model able to correctly classify 86% of the fire-setting incidents. Fire severity and level of injury alone do not distinguish first from repeat fires, but their interaction does. Themes from prisoner interviews include emotional coping and mental health, fire setting to affect change and costs of fire setting, with subthemes such as grievances towards staff and prolonged periods in cell.

Research limitations/implications

Both quantitative studies were subject to the known limitations of secondary data which include incomplete or inaccurate reporting and/or recording. There was also missing information which could have included unreported fires. The qualitative study struggled to secure interviews with known fire-setters who were suspicious of the research/er. The study also coincided with the Covid-19 lockdowns which may have impacted what the people in prison reported.

Practical implications

The research suggests that there are some likely predictors for fire setting in prisons, and that a statistical model could be worthy of replication with a larger sample. The finding that those who set fires learn from their experiences, and thus can minimise their potential for serious injury suggests a need to prevent cycles of fire setting from the very first fire. The triggers for fire setting in prison suggest that a preventative approach to fire safety must go beyond physical measures and also address environmental factors. This includes staff−prisoner relationships, encourage the recognition of mental health problems and the need for procedurally just approaches to be consistently applied.

Originality/value

Little is known about individuals who set fires in prison or repeat fire setting and its relationship to fire severity and level of injury. The qualitative study involving known fire-setters is likely the first in an English prison.