FIRE bosses have issued safety tips after a wheelie bin fire damaged a car in Wilmslow earlier this week

In what is a suspected case of arson, a bin was set alight on Park Crescent, shortly after midnight on Monday morning.

A fire spokesman said: "One fire engine from Wilmslow attended and a hose reel jet was used to put out a wheelie bin fire which was on the pavement. The fire caused heat damage to a nearby car. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately."

After the fire, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, issued safety tips to help prevent fire in wheelie bins:

• Do not place hot items in the bin, for example: smoking materials, hot embers from coal/wood, hot ash, etc

• Do not store rubbish or wheelie bins/refuse containers by windows or doors - any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property.

• Do not store your wheelie bin/refuse containers in close proximity to a building.

• Do not overfill your wheelie bin/refuse containers or leave loose rubbish around them.

• Whenever possible, wheelie bins/refuse containers should be stored securely behind locked gates.

• Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day. Return it to your property as soon as possible after collection. Do not leave your wheelie bin out at night.

• Do not allow bins or rubbish to block escape routes

Don't let your bin become a target for arsonists

The spokeswoman added: "We would like to urge residents and businesses to store all bins away to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists. This includes wheelie bins and refuse containers.

Please store them away, especially at night. "

Anyone with any information about the bin blaze is asked to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.