Fire chief: Please think before you dump rubbish
Calls to secure homes and businesses
Fire chiefs are warning Buddies that a buildup of rubbish during reduced collections could have devastating consequences.
Renfrewshire householders and business owners are being reminded to store refuse and excess waste safely with bin services scaled back during the coronavirus crisis.
The changes to bin collections come as the council and waste collection services work to reduce the risk of infection to both staff and communities amidst the ongoing Covid- 19 pandemic.
However, firefighters are warning that allowing waste to build may increase the risk of a potentially-devastating fire breaking out in or around homes and business premises.
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of service delivery.
He said: “The buildup of rubbish and waste, particularly bulky items such as large amounts of cardboard or furniture, represents a real fire risk to our communities at this challenging time.
“We a re w o r k i n g extremely closely with our local authority partners to minimise risk wherever possible, but the real work starts in the home.
“Some simple measures can help protect you, your family, your property, your staff, business and those around you from the potentially- devastating consequences of a fire at this time.”
Fire bosses are issuing safety advice across the count ry as more and more people adhere to the lockdown.
This includes information on how to avoid risks while cooking, working from home and smoking indoors.
The fire service is extending its advice to outdoor spaces and gardens as householders seek to store excess waste and bulk rubbish or consider burning excess waste.
ACO Stevens added: “If you can, store your waste such as cardboard, wood, or packaging in a safe, locked location such as a garage or shed.
“If you must store it outdoors – keep it away from the property if possible.
“If you are keeping anything inside, store it away from heat sources and open flames, or electrical outlets and equipment.
“Where possible, we would recommend you avoid lighting a bonfire to dispose of garden waste or other items - there is a great risk of fire spread and damage to the environment.”
This buildup of rubbish represents a real fire risk to our communities at this challenging time