MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is marking Arson Awareness Week running from May 18 - 22 by raising awareness of the increase in refuse fires blighting local communities.

Despite the recent high profile of grass fires, deliberate fires such as these have actually been declining over the past two years.

The number of refuse fires has however risen 12 per cent in the same period, and now accounts for 48 per cent of all deliberately set secondary fires in Mid and West Wales.

Arson Reduction Manager Steve Richards said: “Urban and rural fires can blight the environment for a long time, and refuse and wheelie bin fires clearly illustrate the point. They have a significant financial cost to the Services involved as well as those whose property has been damaged or destroyed.”

“If you see a refuse fire, don’t attempt to tackle this yourself. Call the Fire Service. Wheelie bins in particular burn ferociously when water hits the molten plastic, and they can contain aerosol cans and other materials that are hazardous in fire.”

“The majority of wheelie bins are made from high density polyethylene, which when burned release potentially deadly toxic fumes. Inhaling the fumes can starve the brain of oxygen and there are also a number of carcinogenic substances that can be breathed in, that can cause cancer. “

“Report accumulated abandoned refuse or flytipped waste to your local council. Don’t let it become a target for arson.”

“If you are a business owner, protect your commercial property and the service or waste management areas. Seek advice on security, good lighting and CCTV as they will often act as a deterrent to the criminal.”

“Deliberate fire setting is anti-social behaviour. It can be a precursor to arson and threaten lives. Don’t accept such behaviour in your community.”

“Report and share information with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, Neighbourhood Watch, Fire Service Arson Reduction Team or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”.