POLICE and firefighters have pledged to work more closely to curb the growing menace of arson in County Durham.

The county's constabulary and fire and rescue service have signalled their determination to tackle the problem by agreeing greater cooperation in detecting suspicious fires.

Last year, firefighters dealt with 1,300 arsons, ranging from rubbish fires and torched cars to houses deliberately set on fire.

The number of fires investigated by the police has risen 20 per cent, from 646 between April 1998 and March 1999, to 775 in the period to March of this year.

The county's police force has already formed a team of scenes-of-crimes officers specialising in arson investigations.

Now the force and the fire and rescue brigade have agreed to pool their resources more effectively in the fight against fire-raising.

With the school summer holidays about to begin, fire crews are bracing themselves for an increase in hoax calls and fires started by bored youngsters.

Chief Constable George Hedges said: "Starting a fire is just about the most destructive thing anyone can do, even more destructive than other crimes.

"If there is an arsonist out there, I'm on his trail. I want to get the evidence that will convict people who start fires.''

Chief Fire Officer George Herbert hopes more prosecutions will deter arsonists.

He said: "We are interested in seeing how a successful outcome can have an impact on incidents.

"If people realise they are going to go to court there is less likelihood of them committing offences."

Both services say they work well together but now, in line with Home Office guidance, they are developing a more coordinated approach to arson.

The brigade plans to warn people of the dangers of arson with its new £40,000 display vehicle, which will tour schools, factories and estates.

The vehicle will also promote fire safety and has a trailer for demonstrating the danger of pouring water on chip pan fires.

Mr Hedges urged youngsters not to start fires or make hoax calls.

"It might seems like fun but it can put lives at risk," he said.