CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning to businesses in South Cheshire to be more responsible when storing rubbish in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Firefighters responded to an increased number of fires involving rubbish that had been left at the back of properties last year, which then became a target for arsonists who set the refuse on fire.

Mark Abram, area manager for Community Fire Protection, said: “We have seen in recent years groups of youths getting involved in nuisance behaviour and activities in the run up to Bonfire Night.

"This often involves fires relating to rubbish, packaging and waste in open skips being set alight. This puts tremendous pressure on our resources.”

Businesses are being asked to regularly remove rubbish to a safe storage area.

Most arson fires affecting businesses start outside the premises.

The culprits are often opportunists who light their fires with anything readily to hand – the danger is that it is easy for these fires to then spread to business properties.