As TV soap fans were gripped by the dramatic fire in Emmerdale recently, firefighters from West Yorkshire – where the fictional village is located – are urging people to take some simple steps to reduce the chances of becoming an arson victim.

Craig McIntosh, director of fire safety at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Wheelie bins and piles of rubbish left outside are fuel for arsonists. When they are left close to buildings there is potential for the fire to spread, which can lead to devastating damage to property and even the tragic loss of life. Although in Emmerdale the fire setter deliberately targets a particular home, it goes to show how quickly fire can spread from a pile of rubbish outside to the actual property.”