Cumbria Fire and Rescue service have been dealing with a number of wheelie bin fires across the county over the past week. Many of which were started deliberately.
A spokesperson said:
"This wastes our time, and the police’s time. It is also extremely dangerous, as these can quickly spread to other surrounding houses, and can delay us responding to other emergencies where people’s lives are in danger - not to mention that arson is a crime, which will be taken seriously by the police, and offenders will be prosecuted.
"Members of the public can help us by making sure their wheelie bin is in a secure location - out of general sight from the street where possible, and at a safe distance from their property.
"We recommend putting bins out the morning of collection, or as late as possible the night before collection if they are collected early."