A SPATE of bin fires could be putting lives at risk.

Firefighters say they are constantly being called to the fires at Hayward House and Beeches flat blocks, off Rosedale Avenue, Atherton — and may be needed elsewhere.

Crews from Leigh and Atherton have been called to the flats 15 times in the last 18 months.

The latest incident happened on Monday at 11.30pm when a large communal bin was set alight — and there was a further fire at 6.30am.

Crew manager Paul Gibbons said: “Fire engines are being tied up at these incidents regularly, meaning we cannot go to another incident if we are required elsewhere.

“Police are investigating these incidents.”

Two communal bins outside Hayward House have had a cage built around them, but residents say it is just attracting more attention to them and can still be accessed by non residents.

Steven Hunter, aged 31, who lives in Hayward House said: "The council came about a month ago and put the cage up around the bins but the door has no lock on so anyone can just get in.

"We suggested that it be padlocked and residents given the combination or we have a fob to get in but the council said that would cause more problems with people forgetting the combination.

"I nipped out to the shop last month and by the time I got back the bins were on fire, it was that quick.

"I think it's kids who are bored that are doing it but the cage is just attracting them.

"My partner has actually gone in the cage and cleaned it up because he is that annoyed by the mess.

"The thing is someone could actually be hurt and need help in a fire somewhere but the fire service have to come out to this.

"It could cost people their lives."

Crews from Leigh were also called to a wheelie bin fire in Isherwood Street in Leigh at 2.15am on Tuesday morning before attending another blaze that melted a bin in nearby street Lime Avenue at 3.30am.

Watch manager Craig Cubbins said: “Bin fires create a fierce blaze with strong toxic fumes, so crews have to be present to put them out.

“This can potentially divert us away from other life risk incidents.

“People need to remember to bring their bins back in as soon as possible after they have been collected.”