Cornwall County Fire Brigade has launched a major campaign to reduce the number of arson fires in the county - maintaining that arson is the largest single cause of major blazes throughout the UK.

Nationwide a total of l,574 people were prosecuted and found guilty of arson offences in l997. Statistics for Cornwall show that 29 per cent of serious fires in that year were reported as suspected arson.

The brigade is working in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and the county's education department to reduce the number of arson incidents, by raising public awareness and alerting property owners to the dangers of arson.

Although the campaign is primarily concentrating on commercial premises and vehicles, other areas such as schools, places of worship, residential homes and dwellings, and farms and the countryside will also be targeted.

Community fire safety officer, Andy Barrett said: 'National statistics indicate that 21 per cent of malicious fires originate in dwellings, 45 per cent in other occupied buildings, and 60 per cent involve vehicles.

The Association of British Insurers believes arson cost the country approximately £360 million in l996. This, however, is not the complete picture as these figures do not take into account the losses insured by Lloyds Underwriters and by the Government, uninsured or under-insured, losses or claims for interruptions to businesses following fire damage.

In support of the campaign, a selection of leaflets has been produced which can be obtained from both the Fire Brigade and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Andy said: 'Arson is a growing problem for our society today, and we intend to work towards tackling this problem with renewed vigour. By publishing guidance on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of arson, we are making a positive step towards reducing the overall level of arson fires.'

Cornwall Fire Brigade attends over 450 vehicle fires per year, of which 65 per cent are started deliberately, while one in five arson attacks countrywide are on residential properties, with 15,500 such attacks per year.

Places of worship are also said to be vulnerable to the arsonist, and so should have all combustible materials within them locked away, together with their valuables. Schools are also high on the arsonists' list.

For further information on arson or general fire safety contact the Fire Brigade on Freephone 0800 358 1999.