Warning issued after wheelie bin fire

The fire, which broke out in Cadishead, Salford, at around 11.15am on Saturday (April 11), destroyed a car and spread to two houses.

The fire is believed to have started after the occupant had put charcoal remains from a chiminea, which had been used the previous evening, into a wheelie bin, believing they were properly extinguished.

The occupier then left to have some exercise and a fire started in the bin, which then spread to a car on the driveway and two houses.

A fire engine from Irlam, along with two crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, attended and firefighters wearing two breathing apparatus used two hose reels to put out the fire.

The fire caused damage to the single-storey extension of one property and a window of the other but the car was gutted.

People are now being urged to never put ashes and other remains from chimineas or barbecues straight into the bin and to ensure the materials have properly cooled down before doing so.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service head of prevention Paul Fearnhead said: “It is only thanks to the quick response of firefighters that this fire did not cause more damage than it did.

“With the warm and sunny weather set to continue for the next few days, we are urging people to please dispose of ashes and charcoal properly. So please, if you are using a chiminea or having a barbecue, be careful and make sure any remains are cold before they go in the bin.

“I would also urge everyone to familiarise themselves with our advice on having a barbecue and storing waste safely.”

More advice on barbecue safety can be found by visiting: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/staying-safe/what-we-do/seasonal-safety/barbecue-safety-advice/

For tips on disposing of waste safely visit https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/news/greater-manchester-residents-urged-to-store-waste-safely-following-closure-of-recycling-centres/