A scheme to reduce arson attacks on derelict buildings in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has been praised by the government

The success of the Arson Task Force (ATF) has been highlighted in a report on how to reduce the number of deliberate fires.

In 2000 there were 10,700 fires in empty, unsecured properties in the UK while incidents involving waste materials are running at almost 150,000 a year.

Derelict buildings - which are often the target of arsonists - have been at the core of the ATF's approach to cutting fires and the government has urged other authorities to follow their lead.

'Zero tolerance'

The ATF works closely with the city council and agencies to board up high risk empty properties and have electricity and gas supplies switched off.

To cut down the number of rubbish fires deliberately lit, it organises waste removal and it has a "zero tolerance" campaign to rubbish dumping.

The government wants to reduce the number of arsons by 30% by 2009 and has issued the first guidelines for all local authorities to follow, holding up the ATF as a shining example.

Fire Safety Minister Chris Leslie said: "Derelict buildings are often subject to a downward spiral of neglect which can start with broken windows and may lead rapidly to vandalism, fire setting, drug use and other related community problems.

"Many of the thousands of fires every year involving waste materials are started deliberately.

"Some, especially those involving plastic waste containers, can spread rapidly.

"If the flames enter adjoining buildings, a serious incident quickly develops leading to loss of property or jobs and even injury or death."