Fire chiefs blast mindless lockdown flytippers after brigade called to same spot twice in an hour

Dumped cardboard delivery boxes, bed frames were set alight field near Flodden Way, Billingham, shortly after 11pm on Wednesday, May 7.

A fridge freezer, containing harmful chemicals, also had to be pulled away from the danger, as fire crews spent 40 minutes putting the flames out.

But they were called back to the same spot just after midnight after someone added more rubbish and took another half hour for firefighters to bring under control.

Cleveland Fire Brigade say it was a dangerous waste of resources during the lockdown when communities are being urged to work together.

Steve Johnson, Area Manager Prevention, said: “This is incredibly irresponsible behaviour. To be called out twice is a complete waste of our resources especially at a time of lockdown when everyone should be working together to support each other.

“Instead the disrespectful minority are causing damage to our local areas. There is absolutely no excuse for this. Thanks once again to the quick actions of our hard working firefighters we were fortunate that this did not spread further and put property or even lives at risk.

“Not to mention the dangers of setting fire to this type of rubbish – waste such as plastic, foam, paint and tyres causes pollution and releases chemicals when it burns.

“This is harmful to the environment, and to health, which is a particular issue during this pandemic when many vulnerable people are self-isolating.”

The brigade is now working with Cleveland Police and the local authority after securing evidence from the scene.

Mr Johnson added: “I am sure quick and appropriate action will be taken and hopefully prosecution will follow to show that such mindless disrespect and damage to our local areas and the environment will not be tolerated.

“I would encourage everyone to make a big effort to rid our communities of this fly-tipping and arson problem.”

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 with any information.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.