Warning after another arson attack at flats
ANOTHER fire at a Stockport tower block has sparked fears an arsonist could have returned.
Firefighters from Whitehill and King Street stations were called to Hollow End Towers, Brinnington, on Sunday at 4pm to a blaze in the high rise’s bin chute.
Crews were also sent to the same location around two hours later when a resident smelled lingering burning and dialled 999.
The incidents had echoes of two months ago when firefighters were called to Hollow End Towers 10 times in a week to fires in the bin chute.
In response Stockport Homes installed CCTV as a deterrent but one camera has already been ripped down.
The bin room has a drenching system that has prevented the flames spreading, though the fires smoke log the corridors.
After the latest incident whoever is responsible has been warned that their behaviour is irresponsible, particularly with the Grenfell Tower disaster still fresh in people’s minds.
Crew manager Steve Rhodes, from Whitehill fire station, said: “This person is not necessarily putting lives at risk but in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster the upset and stress they are causing is unjustified.
“It had been quiet since July as CCTV was installed but one camera has been ripped down and without a camera there is no deterrent.”
Following the spate of bin chute fires in July Stockport Homes sent safety leaflets to residents in Hollow End Towers, which is on Northumberland Road and has 12 stories and 66 flats.
A spokesman for the housing association said: “Safety is of the utmost importance and we are urgently dealing with this matter.
“The safety measures we have to deal with bin chute fires are robust. Our advice about staying in your flat with the door closed unless you are directly affected by fire or smoke or the fire service decides to evacuate you still stands.
“We are taking action immediately to deal with the dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.”