Campaign aims to dampen arson attacks at Gleadless
Sheffield Homes in partnership with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are working together to tackle wheelie bin fires in the Gleadless Valley.
Arson attacks have increased there over recent months, with figures peaking in October and November last year. Since July 2006, there have been on average almost 40 incidents a month.
Most wheelie bin fires result in no or little damage to people or property but consequences can be tragic. At Christmas 2005, three people lost their lives due to a fire that started in a bin but spread to their home.
A successful campaign was piloted at Batemoor during May 2006 & elements of that campaign are now being used throughout Gleadless with the fitting of free smoke alarms, advice about preventing arson attacks and also what to do in the event of a fire.
“Our work involves carrying out risk assessments at council properties and advising tenants on preventative measures,” said John Wright, Sheffield Homes Health and Safety Manager.
“Since 2002 our staff have fitted 6,500 free smoke alarms to properties including those improved under the Decent Homes programme, those which have suffered a burglary and vacant homes that are being re-let.
“However we also want to get the message across to parents that they need to take responsibility for their children’s actions. Youngsters may see it as a bit of fun but as we know, wheelie bin fires can be extremely dangerous.”
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has a statutory duty to reduce the number of arson attacks across the city through education & other effective practices.
Lowedges Fire Station Manager Dave Bedford said: “People that engage in arson related activities are a danger to themselves & to other members of the public. The consequences are an unnecessary drain on Fire Service resources which all too often results in a local Fire Engine & Crew not being available to attend genuine calls such as house fires, road accidents, animal rescues etc. We appeal to all members of the Community to respect their local Firefighters & the dangerous job that they do by not deliberately lighting fires which can quickly escalate into life threatening incidents”.
Sheffield Homes and South Yorkshire Fire Service has the following key advice for tenants and residents alike:
- Keep wheelie bins away from doors and windows
- Don’t site them where they may impede escape from a property
- Don’t leave rubbish lying about
- Don’t overfill your wheelie bin
- Don’t site wheelie bins under canopies or other structures that will help a fire spread
- Don’t leave bins out for collection days before its due – try and do it on the day of collection
- Warn your children against the dangers of wheelie bin fires – it could result in tragedy