ARSONISTS are putting lives at risk after they set wheelie bins and a car on fire.

Firefighters are warning that someone could die if yobs continue to set bins and vehicles alight in Sharples and Astley Bridge.

Since mid-October the fire brigade has been called out to dozens of wheelie bin and car fires — and fire bosses are calling on the community to be vigilant.

In the latest arson attacks, three bins were targeted in the back streets between Bar Lane and Westminster Road yesterday at around 4.30am, along with a Ford Mondeo car.

It follows a similar incident on December 1 when three wheelie bins were set on fire.

There were two car fires in November and eight bin fires between October 18 and November 18.

Watch commander Simon Wood, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These incidents are putting lives at risk, the fires could spread.

“It also strips fire cover from the whole borough, we can’t be in two places at once and every second counts in a fire.

“People need to put their bins out for the shortest time possible, put them out as near to your collection time as possible and bring them back in straight away.

“Communities need to work together if necessary and help each other.”

In the latest incident, firefighters were called to a Ford Mondeo that was on fire.

While there they noticed three bins on fire, with another crew called out to tackle the fires, before they had chance to spread to nearby yards and homes.

Neighbours have branded the arson attacks “a disgrace”.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s disgraceful this keeps happening, the people behind it are sick.

“It is a worry, we are all scared and fed up.”

Another neighbour, who also asked not to be named, added: “It’s getting bad, it keeps happening and I don’t understand why they do it. It’s dangerous and frightening. It could escalate so I am worried.”

In June 2008, a wheelie bin was set alight in Little Holme Walk, Great Lever, claiming the lives of 71-year-old Hameeda Begum and her granddaughter, Alana Mian, aged four.

Bolton Council and the fire service launched a campaign in July to cut wheelie bin fires, urging residents to take their bins in.

Police are investigating the incidents and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knows anything about the fires in Sharples and Astley Bridge contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or the Bolton East Neighbourhood Team on 0161 856 5761.