Although they may seem minor at first glance, rubbish fires carry serious risks for people, property and the wider community.

They are often linked to wider issues of environmental anti‑social behaviour, including fly‑tipping and poor waste management.

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “These fires place unnecessary pressure on emergency services and can quickly escalate, damaging homes, vehicles and local green spaces.

“Across our towns and villages, we continue to see incidents where dumped waste, overfilled bins or deliberately set fires create avoidable hazards.

“When refuse is left in open areas, lanes or communal bin stores, it becomes an easy target for fire‑setting. Even small fires produce harmful smoke, disrupt daily life and contribute to a sense of neglect within our neighbourhoods.

“Rubbish accumulation can also attract vermin such as rats.”

We can all help reduce the risk by taking the following steps:

• Dispose of waste responsibly, using the correct bins and uplift services
• Keep bin areas tidy, ensuring waste is not left beside bins or blocking access
• Report fly‑tipping promptly so it can be removed before it becomes a fire risk
• Let us know about suspicious behaviour, particularly around communal areas or where fires have occurred previously

If you witness a fire or see someone deliberately setting one, always contact 999 immediately.

Home Fire Safety Visits can also be carried out by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service staff for people at the highest risk of experiencing a fire in the home.

Visits can be requested at www.firescotland.gov.uk or by calling 0800 0731 999.