Fire service warning over fortnightly rubbish collections

Fire chiefs in London have moved to express their concerns over council plans to reduce spending by making bin collections less frequent.

Councillor Brian Coleman, chairman of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, said that this move could prove to be a fire hazard, with rubbish left on the streets already leading to an increase in arson attacks.

Figures show that there were 8,438 rubbish fires in the capital during 2009 and this quick fix solution could cause these numbers to rise even further, leading to an increased fire risk for homes and businesses in London.

Cllr Coleman said:

“Most outdoor fires are fires in rubbish and refuse. The brigade has been successful in reducing the numbers of rubbish fires in London.

“However, there is a real danger that if fortnightly bin collections were introduced it would increase the number of fires which will risk lives and cost the taxpayer dear.

“Rubbish, refuse and other materials left outside are often maliciously set alight and even now we still attend over 8,000 calls each year.

“The brigade wants to cut this number further but will be hampered by a short sighted, short term, quick fix solution that could increase the overall bill to the taxpayer.”