The fire service has launched a new weapon inits battle against arson.

A two-man team, known as the ArsonAction Team, will visit small businesses in Cumbria offering an arsonaudit of the premises and providing an arson informationpackage.

Team members Bill Barnes from Workington and RogerSmith from Barrow hope to raise awareness and provide information on crimeand prevention and fire safety risk assessment.

The projecthas been developed in conjunction with Cumbria Police and funded by theGovernment's arson control forum.

The team also offers ultraviolet marking of valuables with the premises'postcode.

Cumbria Fire Service's senior divisional officerBernie Ewels said he hoped the new approach would cut down on some of the300 arson attacks which take place in the UK every day.

Anyonewanting an arson audit should contact the Fire Safety Administrator on01900-820254.