TEENAGERS are being taught how to fight fires and rescue people trapped in burning buildings in a novel move to extinguish the county's arson rate.

Groups of youngsters are being given the chance to spend a week in a fire station where they are put through drills and sent, equipped with breathing apparatus, into smoke filled chambers.

Fire chiefs are hoping that the campaign will dramatically cut the number of deliberately started blazes across Hampshire by making all youngsters aware of the dangers of fire.

A similar project in Tower Hamlets, London, has cut the local arson rate by 42 per cent and achieved a 76 per cent reduction in attacks on firefighters.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to 1,360 "non-accidental" fires in 2003-2004 and the current figure for 2004-2005 is 1,019.

Most cases of arson involve people aged between 13 and 19 years.

Now the Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) scheme aims to ensure teenagers always adopt a responsible attitude to fire.

A pilot project has been held at Hardley fire station, near Fawley.

Ten teenagers took part in a variety of training exercises in which they were taught almost every aspect of a firefighter's job.

The five-day course culminated in a passing out ceremony attended by youth liaison officer Mo Bond.

She said: "It sets out to teach them the value of teamwork, discipline and respect, and naturally included a very strong fire safety message.

"During the week teenagers carried out drills, wore breathing apparatus and entered smoke-filled chambers under very strict supervision. They also went into the Forest to see how difficult

it can be to fight forest fires."

Another course will be held at Hardley later this month and fire chiefs hope the scheme will spread to other parts of the county.

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis was among the guests at the Hardley passing out ceremony. "I'm delighted that this initiative has come to Hampshire and trust the courses will have a significant impact on the reduction of fire-setting in the area," he said.

Instructor Richard Welch added: "The young people were fantastic and worked really hard."