BOGUS rubbish collectors could be putting lives at risk by dumping household waste on a Hull estate, which may prove a magnet for young arsonists.
Several deliberate fires have been lit in Bransholme in recent weeks, with some concerned residents believing the problem is being made worse by fly-tippers providing the "fuel" for young arsonists.
Now, residents and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are urging those responsible for the fires to consider the possible serious consequences of their actions.
Councillor Phil Webster, who represents the Bransholme ward, says rumours are circulating that a gang of "rogue" rubbish collectors are operating on the estate, misleading residents into paying for waste to be collected, then dumping it illegally.
He said: "Is this dumped rubbish giving young troublemakers the tools to start a fire? It's hard to say.
"But I do know that what these rogue traders are doing is wrong. It absolutely needs to stop."
A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Rubbish fires are a common incident attended by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and can pose a real risk if the fire develops quickly.
"We have attended incidents where rubbish has been discarded in close proximity to properties and set alight deliberately, causing significant damage and, in some cases, causing injury."
Several fires in Bransholme, all believed to have been started deliberately, in the past few weeks have caused alarm for residents.
Last Wednesday, three tonnes of wood was set alight by arsonists at a chipping yard in Bransholme Road, near Noddle Hill Nature Reserve.
It came just days after another big blaze on the same site, which took firefighters more than three hours to put out.
Firefighters were also called to a large rubbish blaze, believed to have been started deliberately, in Holwell Road, also on the estate, at the start of the month.
Natasha Clark, who lives just off Noddle Hill Way, said: "When the first fire at the chipping yard happened, my boyfriend and I just thought it could be an accident or something, but the fact it has happened again in the space of days is worrying because there has to be intent behind it.
"I have two young children and my daughter and I both suffer from asthma.
"This is not the kind of thing we want in our neighbourhood and I am worried for the safety of my kids. I just hope it doesn't get worse.
"These people need to stop now before someone gets seriously hurt."
Bill Hipkiss, a Noddle Hill Nature Reserve volunteer, urged arsonists to stop spoiling the area for others.
Mr Hipkiss, who won the North Carr Area volunteer of the year award in 2013, said: "It is disgusting.
"We don't want the good people who use Noddle Hill Nature Reserve to be put off because of fires.
"There used to be so many a few years ago and, to be fair, things have improved significantly.
"So these last couple of fires are concerning. We don't want to start returning to the days of so many fires.
"Sometimes there is spontaneous combustion at the chipping yard, but, obviously, youngsters are being blamed for the latest couple and we want that to stop.
"The police are doing a great job here and I'm sure they'll be caught."
Police are continuing to investigate the latest fire.
A Humberside Police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating an alleged arson in Bransholme Road, Hull, between 5.30pm and 5.48pm on Wednesday.
"It is believed a number of young people climbed over a fence to gain access into the old recycling site before setting alight cut branches.
"Investigations are ongoing to identify the offenders and appropriate action will be taken.
"Traditionally, incidents of this nature are more common in the summer months but police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies will work together to take proactive steps to prevent and deter incidents."
