News Release

Issued: 29.01.09
At: 11:30am
For immediate release

Firefighters and City Wardens Warn of Wheelie Bin Concerns

Members of the media are invited to attend Tyrrell Road, Leicester at 3pm on Tuesday 3 February where firefighters will be distributing advice leaflets and Leicester City Council City Wardens will be talking to residents about the dangers caused by leaving their wheelie bins outside on the pavements and the fines that they could incur.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have been called to over 200 deliberate fires involving wheelie bins and refuse bins in the past year. In light of this we have joined forces with Leicester City Council in an attempt to prevent these incidents from occurring in the future.

Mitch Crane, Watch Manager at Western Fire and Rescue Station, said:

‘Torched wheelie bins are distressing to occupiers and neighbours and divert crews from real emergencies. They can spread fire into homes where gas supplies have been ruptured and people have been severely injured or have died.

We advise people to only put their wheelie bins out on collection days and at all other times to store their bins in a secure area to stop them from becoming an easy target for arsonists.’

Trevor Hancox, of the Arson Task Force, said:

‘The majority of these mindless acts of vandalism occur between the hours of 6pm and midnight. If they occur outside a property, where the occupants are in bed, the danger is increased due to their reaction time being slower.’

Barbara Whitcombe, the Council’s City Warden Manager said:

‘We are glad to be able to support the Fire and Rescue Service in their efforts to educate people about the potentially life-threatening danger faced by them and their neighbours if they do leave their bins out.’

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk

Members of the media are invited to attend Tyrrell Road, Leicester (LE3 area) at 3pm on Tuesday 3 February.

Interview/Photo Opportunities

Mitch Crane, Watch Manager at Western Fire and Rescue Station, will be
available for interview regarding the dangers of wheelie bin fires and how
they divert crews from real emergencies.

Trevor Hancox, of the Arson Task Force, will be available for interviews about
the dangers of arson and the prevention work that Leicestershire Fire and
Rescue Service does.

Kerrie Bullough, Leicester City Council City Warden, will be available for
interviews about the City Warden Scheme and what this aims to achieve.

Photos can be taken of firefighters, the Arson Task Force representative and
the City Warden distributing advice leaflets in this problem area of the city.

PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE

Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241