Arson investigation after fire damages houses in Castleton

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Leander Drive

An arson investigation has been launched following a blaze which damaged two houses in Castleton after a fire spread from bins to the roof of two semi-detached houses.

Firefighters found residents safely and spent five-and-a-half hours at the scene using three hoses, six breathing kits, a high pressure ‘lance’, a nine-metre ladder, and removing roof tiles to enable crew to get to the fire.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At around 1.35am [Friday 26 February], police were called to an address on Leander Drive, Rochdale, following reports from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service of a deliberate ignition. Officers attended and have launched an arson investigation. No arrests have yet been made.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will work with Greater Manchester Police in investigating how the fire started.

Councillor David Acton, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Bin fires are a danger to you - they can spread, endangering people and property. It is important to keep the bins out of sight of opportunists who may target them.

“We advise people to only put the bin out when it is due for collection and to not overfill your wheelie bin, or leave loose rubbish around it. Bins should not be stored under covered areas attached to the house, for example porches. Store your bin away from the property, away from windows and doors and, if possible, safely secured.”