Prince William County Launches Youth Firesetting Prevention Program

The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office, or FMO, recently launched its new Youth Firesetting Prevention Program to address unsafe fire-setting behavior among youth while providing education, behavioral health support and intervention that may help eligible youth avoid formal court proceedings. 

The program, which was established July 1 of this year, brings together the FMO, the Juvenile Court Service Unit, or CSU, and Community Services to provide education, behavioral health support and individualized intervention based on each participant’s needs. 

The FMO previously relied on youth firesetting prevention programs in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, but both of those counties closed their programs to outside agencies in 2025, leaving Prince William County without a local diversion program for eligible youth. Establishing the program locally also gives the county greater oversight of services provided to Prince William County youth. 

“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.” 

The FMO collaborated 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 encountered by a Prince William 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 in lieu 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, Prince William County Police Department and Community Services may identify youth who could benefit from the program, while other agencies may contact the FMO for an assessment and recommendations. 

The educational component uses national standards and state and regional practices to help participants understand the consequences of fire-setting behavior 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. 

When behavioral health treatment is appropriate, New Horizons Community-Based Program may refer youth to the Youth Firesetting Treatment Service, which is part of the Youth Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division within Community Services. 

The treatment service serves youth ages 10 to 17 with 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.” 

Parents and guardians concerned about a young person’s fire-setting behavior do not need to wait for an incident to result in involvement with the Fire Marshal’s Office. Families are encouraged to seek assistance through their child’s health care provider, school counselor or Community Services. If a provider determines the Youth Firesetting Prevention Program may be appropriate, the FMO can assess the situation and help determine next steps. 

Visit pwcva.gov/department/fire-marshals-office/youth-firesetter-prevention-program to learn more about the Youth Firesetting Prevention Program.