Fire services warn of wheelie bin arson attacks

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are warning homeowners after a spate of arson attacks on Wearside.

TWFRS have responded to 23 rubbish fires in the Sunderland area since August 2017. Nine of the fires involved wheelie bins in the King George's Field area of Sunderland.

Last week, the service responded to 4 fires in that area.

The fire service say they are concerned about the spate of arson attacks and are advising householders to keep a close eye on their wheelie bins.

TWFRS Watch Manager, Nicole Mordecai commented:

The fire service added that fire crews sent to deal with deliberate fires is using up essential resources. If a crew is tackling a deliberate blaze, they may be unable to respond to a fire elsewhere.

Tyne and Wear Fire Authority Chair and Sunderland City Councillor Tom Wright, commented: