RESIDENTS in Crewe are urged to be vigilant after firefighters dealt with two wheelie bin fires in the town in the space of a couple of hours.

Just after 10pm on Wednesday, September 17 firefighters were called to Middlewich Street, where a wheelie bin had been left against a fence, and deliberately set on fire.

The occupiers were alerted when the flames spread and completely destroyed the bin and fence panel.

The second fire took place a few hours later in Leighton Street, Crewe when a wheelie bin was targeted in a street where a number of bins had been left out for collection overnight.

One bin was set on fire and a hose reel was used to extinguish it.

Both fires are being treated as arson and anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Crewe Station Manager, Paul Binyon said: “We are not sure if these two incidents are releated so we are working very closely with the police in Crewe to find out who set both fires.

“I would urge residents to be vigilant and be aware if people are hanging around near wheelie bins. They should all Cheshire Police on 101 if they see anything suspicious.

“Alternatively if anyone has any information relating to these two fires they should call Crimestopper on 0800 555 111 anonymously.”

“This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk. Fire spreads quickly so what may seem like a small fire can easily become out of control.”

Residents are advised to follow some simple steps to try and prevent wheelie bin fires and to always report any suspicious activity to police.

Tips to prevent wheelie bin fires:- Do not store rubbish or wheelie bins/refuse containers by windows or doors - 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.

Whenever possible, wheelie bins/refuse containers should be stored securely behind locked gates.

Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day. 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 about fire safety please visit cheshirefire.gov.uk.