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Bring in bins to reduce fires, residents urged

05/08/2008

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are urging Mancunians to bring in their bins as soon as possible after they have been emptied.

Fire chiefs are concerned about the rising number of call-outs to deals with wheelie bin fires caused by arsonists and yobs.

Leaflets and stickers explaining the importance of bringing in wheelie bins are being distributed in several districts in Manchester.

Dave Kirkham, the fire service's deputy borough commander, said: "Don't make your bin an easy target for a malicious fire.

"Too many times we have seen incidents where fires, started in bins and rubbish, have spread to homes, threatening property and even lives."

A similar campaign in 2007 resulted in a 35 per cent reduction in bin fires when compared with the previous year.

According to the communities and local government department, the average cost of dealing with a domestic bin fire is £2,000.