The local suffered smoke inhalationNews
birminghammail.co.uk
14:32, 25 Apr 2025
A heap of rubbish bags in Selly Park, Birmingham before they were cleared by refuse workers on Thursday, April 24(Image: Alexander Brock)
A Birmingham resident suffered smoke inhalation after they tried to burn their uncollected recycling inside their house.
A blaze broke out after the local set fire to their rubbish which has been mounting since crews halted blue wheelie bin service in early Feb as part of a pay dispute.
Fortunately the fire did not spread and was extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.
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They used ventilation equipment to clear the property of smoke and fumes and the resident was oxygen treatment and on-scene care by paramedics.
The incident has prompted West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) to urge people not to burn their household recycling, such as cardboard, paper and plastics.
(Image: petrunina / 123rf.com)
Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention at WMFS, said: “Burning household recycling like cardboard, paper or plastics can be very dangerous, especially indoors.
“Please don’t burn your household waste or recycling.
“You could quickly be overcome by the smoke, or burned. Such fires can quickly get out of control and spread.
“If your recycling hasn’t been collected, we urge you to store it safely until your next collection or, if you can, take it to a household recycling centre.
“Never try to burn it – you’re risking lives and property.”
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The independent public body ACAS the (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) will be involved in negotiations next week – bringing fresh hope of a resolution to the city’s seven-week all out bin strike.
There is currently deadlock between bin workers, Unite the Union and the city council but it is hoped that brand new talks from next week might bring an end to city-wide uncertainty.