Members of the task force have specialist training

The service was established in 2001 to investigate and reduce arson attacks using specialist fire and police officers in both counties.

It was started with a government grant of �63,000 but that runs out in March.

Both counties' fire brigades said the service it offered was vital. The government said future money for fire prevention had not yet been agreed.

�10m damage

Cornwall Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden said: "The brigade works in partnership with the task force to stamp out arson attacks across the county and our statistics show this is working.

"The risk to life and cost of arson in terms of deployment of emergency services and damage is so significant it is vital we target this problem effectively."

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said in a statement: "Future funding for fire prevention has not yet been agreed but we intend to make effective use of any available funding through a focus on vulnerable groups, including young people at risk.

"It was never envisaged that arson control projects would be permanently funded by central government. The money over the three years ending in March next year was aimed at getting good local initiatives off the ground.

"It will therefore be for partnerships to determine how to develop their current local arson reduction initiatives after March 2006."