YOUNG firebugs who attack firefighters in Blackburn and Burnley or make hoax calls are set to be brought onside by a new campaign.

Fire brigade chiefs in Lancashire are launching FIRES (Fire Intervention Response and Education Scheme) in the East Lancashire towns later this month in a bid to teach tearaways about the dangers of playing with fire.

Violent attacks on firefighters in the county have nearly doubled, over a three-year period, according to official figures.

Twenty-six incidents were reported in 2005-06 but this rose to 50 by 2007-2008, prompting concern by chief fire officer Peter Holland.

In October, youths hurled paving stones at a crew on an emergency call in Audley, Blackburn.

And in Daneshouse, Burnley, in 2008, peace talks had to be brokered by community leaders between youths and fire crews after a number of attacks.

And although hoax calls are falling in the county, there are still several hotspots, such as East Lancashire, Blackpool and Preston.

FIRES is underpinned by an education programme, aimed at four to 17-year-olds, which includes basic fire safety skills.

Those taking part will be referred in different ways such as by their parents, schools, police or the NHS. One-on-one sessions will take place with the worst cases but normally groups of six will be taught in sessions at fire stations.

Fire service spokesman Tony Crook said: “In Lancashire, 45 per cent of our callouts are to fires that have been started deliberately and this costs the county approximately £40million a year.

“These fires can destroy properties, businesses and cause serious injury or even death. The FIRES course aims to reduce the number of these fires.

“And we hope that these young people will learn how to recognise fire hazards in their home so if the worst does happen, this course will help them to escape unhurt.”

Last year there were 87 arson attacks in Blackburn with Darwen and 88 in Burnley.

Seventy-five cars were torched in the former and 72 in the latter.

Across both boroughs there were 115 hoax fire calls.