Arsonists caused 240 fires in 8 weeks (From Warrington Guardian)

Arsonists caused 240 fires in 8 weeks

A STAGGERING 240-plus arson attacks have been recorded in Warrington in the past two months - the highest figure in Cheshire.

Nearly 90 of these fires involved wheelie bins and skips, and the town centre and Riverside Retail Park have been marked as hot spot areas.

Now, firefighters are urging businesses in Warrington town centre to stay alert to avoid any potential disasters and losses of life.

Leading firefighter Alan Perris, of Warrington Arson Task Force, said: "We have sent letters to shop managers advising them of dos and don'ts.

"Leading up to Christmas there is a lot more rubbish and cardboard in industrial bins, and people need to make sure they do not fill them to two or three times their capacity, leaving the rubbish backing on to the walls of buildings.

"What happens is people come along and discard a cigarette or set the rubbish alight, and we don't want this to happen and for fire to spread to the buildings when there are shoppers in the shops."

CCTV has been installed in the town centre and on the retail park, and every time firefighters are called out to an incident the camera footage is being scrutinised.

Meanwhile, Warrington residents are being urged to be aware of fire safety as Christmas approaches.

Last year, Warrington's fire crews attended 142 incidents between mid-December and New Year's Day, with nine of these recorded as house fires.

Sub officer Alex Waller, watch manager at Birchwood Fire Station, said: "Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, but the hard facts prove it is a time of increased danger."