RESIDENTS have been urged to only put their bins out on collection day after a spate of fires.

Since lockdown began, bosses at Barrow Fire Station said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour which has seen peoples' wheelie bins being set on fire deliberately.

Now, to combat the problem, Roger Exley, station manager at Cumbria Fire and Rescue, has told residents not to leave their bins out overnight.

Mr Exley said: “Kids have got nothing else to do – nothing to engage them and unfortunately some of them have been involved in anti-social behaviour in the town centre and across the whole Barrow area really.

“It is easier said than done but what we’re trying to do is to now urge people not to put their bins out until collection day and then bring them in straight afterwards.

“If these bins are put up against somebody’s property or vehicle then that could spread to everything inside.

“Coupled with that you have now got a bin that is no good.

"It becomes an eye sore and attraction for things like rats.

“The problem with wheelie bins is they give off a lot of toxic smoke and are readily available.

“People don’t realise how dangerous they can be.

"A bin fire could burn through a window into a property which could result in someone dying or being seriously injured.”

Richard Butler, of Barrow Fire Station, added: “I’d urge all residents to put your rubbish in a bin, store it in a safe place.

“If you’re a business, be mindful of your excess waste and don’t leave it in a place where a potential arsonist could set it on fire.”