THE number of preventable fires in Gwent fell sharply last year, figures reveal today.

Fire service bosses say the figures are evidence of the progress being made in avoiding unnecessary death and destruction wrought as a result of fires caused by arson or lack of fire safety.

The figures show that preventable primary fires - involving buildings such as homes and schools - were cut by 15 per cent, from 2,323 in 2003/4 to 1,982 in 2004/5.

But the biggest drop came in preventable secondary fires, classed as not affecting buildings.

The number of these blazes, which includes grass, refuse and abandoned vehicle fires, was slashed by 38 per cent - from 6,178 in 2003/4 to just 3,830 in 2004/5.

Hoax calls fell from 1,112 to 930 over the same period as control centre staff are challenging callers in an effort to reduce resource-wasting incidents.

Mick Flanagan, South Wales Fire Service's senior fire investigator, said: "We still have a long way to go, but this shows that inroads are being made. We're heading in the right direction."

Projects ranging from removing abandoned vehicles before they can become a target for arsonists, to working with young people to reduce fire-setting and anti-social behaviour, are all being credited with helping the fall in numbers.

Among these schemes is Firewatch, which targets youngsters identified as most likely to become involved in arson.

Mr Flanagan explained: "They are given clip-boards, badges and pens and the authority to go around their schools and identify potential fire risks.

"They become our eyes and ears and as they have an importance and purpose are far less likely to offend."

But he admitted that arson was still a major concern.

He said: "In South Wales alone arson costs us £44 million a year. We are seeing a downward trend here but we want to continue that."

Home fire safety checks by firefighters, where fire safety advice is offered and smoke alarms are fitted free of charge, are also highlighted as a reason for the fall in preventable fires.

Car clearance schemes, which have seen the fire service, police, local authorities and the DVLA remove abandoned vehicles from the streets, before they can be set alight, are also singled-out.

Brian Fraser, chief fire officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fire safety and preventative work carried out in the community is at the heart of our fire and rescue service.

"These figures really do speak for themselves, in terms of the importance of working proactively with the public.

"Our commitment to driving down the number of both accidental and deliberately started fires is unwavering.

"We will continue to work closely with the other partnership organisations in the community to encourage a multi-agency approach to fire reduction."