Dumped mattress set on fire (From Warrington Guardian)

Dumped mattress set on fire

A MATTRESS was set on fire in an arson attack outside flats in Castlefields.

Firefighters tackled the toxic acrid smoke in Spinney Walk, at 7.20pm, on Wednesday, January 7.

Sub officer Ken Sharratt, said: "This could have been quite dangerous. It gives me concern that residents are still disposing of items on deck dwellings.

"A mattress gives off a lot of toxic, acrid smoke and could prevent residents getting out of their flats."

He is appealing to tenants to be more vigilant.

He said: "If you see dumped property that could pose a fire risk alert landlords or the council.

"I would advise people to throw a bucket of water over any furniture so it can't be ignited," added sub officer Sharratt. "At least this will prevent opportunists setting fire to it."