Wheelie Bin Fires

16th February 2017

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Recently residential areas within Frome, Somerset have had a spate of wheelie bin fires. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are asking residents and businesses to store all their bins out of sight, to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists. A wheelie bin on fire outside a window or against a house can endanger the lives of people inside.

Arson is a serious crime and anyone convicted faces a length prison sentence and a significant fine. Furthermore, it comes with a financial impact as each time the fire service is called out it results in a significant cost to the taxpayer.

Don't let your bin become a target for arsonists

Store all wheelie bins away, especially at night, to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists
Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day and return it to your property as soon as possible after collection
Whenever possible, wheelie bins should be stored securely behind locked gates
Do not overfill your wheelie bins or leave loose rubbish around them

Safety advice

Do not place hot items in the bin, for example: smoking materials, hot embers from coal/wood, hot ash, etc
Do not store wheelie bins by windows or doors - any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property

Crimestoppers

If anyone has any information about fires no matter how big or small please telephone crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where they can give details completely anonymously.

For more information on how to prevent Arson visit our website.

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