FIREFIGHTERS in Warrington are urging people not to leave their bins out after a spate of wheelie bin fires in the area.
The crews have been called out to 10 incidents since the start of December which took place in and around the Grasmere Avenue area of the town.
Watch Manager Lee Nash from Warrington Fire Station said: “It’s shocking to see how reckless some people can be. Wheelie bin fires are so dangerous and can easily spread. In a number of the incidents we have attended recently, the bins on fire were near buildings and fences and the outcome could have been so much worse.
“We are treating these incidents as arson, a serious criminal offence, and we will be working closely with the police and local authority to find whoever started the fires. In the meantime I would like to urge businesses and homeowners to be vigilant, and help us by making sure they do not leave their bins out overnight and report any suspicious behaviour to police.”
Some of the incidents that firefighters have been called to attend include one just before 5pm on December 7, when they had to extinguish garden pagodas and bins on fire in Grasmere Avenue. A fire in the park area of Grasmere Avenue also required the crew to attend and two separate incidents on the same night, December 4, which involved wheelie bins set on fire just before 4pm and again at 4.45pm.
Anyone with any information or who sees fires being deliberately set is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Firefighters have visited properties around Grasmere Area and have provided stickers with information on to help residents stay safe.
For further information about fire safety visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.
Fire chief’s warning: don’t leave your bins out
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