WINSFORD Firefighters are warning Wharton residents to be on their guard after four deliberate fires have been set over the last two days.

Three of the incidents involved wheelie bins, which had been left out overnight.

The first bin fire took place in Dee Way just after 8.30pm on Monday October 5, followed by another fire involving a discarded mattress in Bradbury Road, just after 9pm.

On Monday, October 6, Firefighters were called to two more bin fires. One occured in Wharton Road just before 8pm and the other in Dee Way just after 9pm.

All required firefighters to attend and extinguish them with a hose reel.

Station Manager Antony Jones said: "Luckily these fires were extinguished before they spread and caused damage to property, but the story could have been much worst. We need residents to keep their bins locked away until the morning of collection and not put them out overnight.

“Deliberate fires can pose a real threat to people's safety and property. Firefighters want to prevent further fires in the area so will be going out and about in the Wharton area over the next few days to warn residents of the dangers. They will also be posting safety leaflets through doors in a bid to keep people safe.

Colin Heyes, the service's arson reduction manager, added: "We believe that all these fires were started deliberately.

“This is a crime which is extremely dangerous and puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk. Whoever it is that is starting these fires could potentially get a criminal record.

“We would therefore urge anyone with information to report it by calling Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or Cheshire Police on 101.”

Tips to prevent wheelie bin fires: Do not store rubbish or wheelie bins by windows or doors - any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property.

Do not store your wheelie bin in close proximity to a building.

Do not overfill your wheelie bin or leave loose rubbish around them.

Whenever possible, wheelie bins 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 For further safety information visit cheshirefire.gov.uk