RESIDENTS in Ellesmere Port can help reduce the dangers of wheelie bin fires by following simple safety advice, say Cheshire firefighters.
Almost every week fire crews are called out to bin fires across the county and the festive season is no different.
Last week a fire engine from Ellesmere Port had to attend a wheelie bin blaze on John Street in the early hours of December 27 which had been spotted alight in the open air.
As a result, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued safety advice to residents about how they can help to avoid wheelie bins becoming a target for arsonists.
A spokesman said: “We would like to urge residents and businesses to store all bins away so as to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists. This includes wheelie bins and refuse containers.
“We would ask that you please store them away, especially at night and to please take extra care to make sure that rubbish does not pile up close to buildings.”
Safety tips include:
Do not store rubbish or wheelie bins/refuse containers by windows or doors as any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property.
Do not store your wheelie bin/refuse containers in close proximity to a building.
Do not overfill your wheelie bin/refuse containers or leave loose rubbish around them.
Where possible, wheelie bins/refuse containers should be stored securely behind locked gates.
Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day and return it to your property as soon as possible after collection.
Do not leave your wheelie bin out at night.
Do not allow bins or rubbish to block escape routes.
For further information, visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.
