Wheelie bin fire danger warning

More than 550 bins were targeted in the weeks around Bonfire night

Firefighters are warning of the risk to life after hundreds of wheelie bins were set on fire in Dundee.

In four weeks around Bonfire Night more than 550 bins were stolen, set alight, or damaged, according to Tayside Fire and Rescue.

It said the trend was continuing throughout the dark nights.

Crew manager Jim Donaldson said: "If the bin is being stored in a common close or next to a shed the fire could spread and could even cost lives."

He said: "The biggest problem is caused by tenants putting wheelie bins out and not putting them back in again.

'Cost lives'

"It's an ongoing problem in the city and we try to target particular blocks of tenants, unfortunately there's no legislation to force tenants to look after their wheelie bins."

Mr Davidson warns that if they are dealing with wheelie bin fires they may not be able to respond as quickly to serious incidents.

He advises householders not to keep bins near doors, windows, in common closes or stairwells.

They should only be put out on the day they are due to be collected and then taken back in again.

Firefighters are working with police and the council to try to track those responsible and reduce the problem.