FIRE officers are joining forces with youth offending teams to try to stop young arsonists.
New national guidance has been issued on how the fire and youth services can link up to deal with the problem.
It focuses on how both organisations can pool resources, avoid duplication of work and educate young people at risk of becoming firebugs.
The guidance has been backed by the Chief Fire Officers' Association, the Youth Justice Board and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The guidance encourages schemes such as Young Firefighters, which educate children about firefighting and inspire them to learn new skills rather than turn to anti-social behaviour.
Fires started by young people are a major problem for the fire service.
Around 31% of domestic arson is caused by people aged under 18.
The cost of this to the economy is over £470m.
Youngsters are also the main culprits of hoax calls made to the fire service, which cost the economy £81m.
Phil Toase, West Yorkshire chief fire officer, said: "Too much of our work is caused by youngsters."
