Flat damaged after wheelie bins set alight

FIRE chiefs today issued a warning after a flat was badly damaged in an arson attack.

Crews tackled the blaze at Mandela Close, Hendon, at about 11pm on Thursday after eight wheelie bins were set alight in a communal yard.

The blaze downstairs and upstairs flat damaging four windows, pictured, outside guttering, fascia and fencing.

Station manager Mark Witherspoon said the suspected firebugs had put lives at risk.

He said: “Fires involving wheelie bins can pose a serious risk. If they are set alight, fire can easily spread to neighbouring properties, and put lives at risk. They also needlessly tie up valuable resources which could be needed elsewhere.

“Residents can help protect themselves and their property, and reduce their chances of becoming a target by not putting out their bin too early and taking it in as soon as they can after

spread

to

a collection. If wheelie bins are kept in backyards, you should always store them away from property to prevent fire spreading if they are set alight.”

Crews were also called to rescue a woman and her young daughter after their house caught fire in Whitburn Road, Cleadon, at about 5.30am yesterday.

They broke in through a rear door and put out the fire in a dining area before rescuing the 32- year- old woman and her five - year- old daughter from upstairs.

They were taken to South Tyneside General Hospital for a a precautionary check.

Meanwhile, firefighters were called to Sandhill View School, in Sunderland, at 2.05pm on Thursday after a chemical leak had been found in a store cupboard.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade said: “About 150 people were evacuated from the school as a precaution.”

Fire strikes – Page 14