The bin store, which suffered significant damage, was located directly below apartments but the fire did not reach any of them.
The fire service was called at around 22:20 after residents saw large quantities of smoke coming from the bin store. The fire is believed to have been started by a disposable barbeque.
Two fire engines were sent to the scene. Fire fighters tackled the fire using breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet. They searched the adjacent store rooms but fortunately the fire was contained to within the bin store itself. A ventilation fan was then used to clear smoke from the bin store. An investigation concluded that the most probable cause of the fire was the “careless disposal of a disposable barbecue.”
Watch Commander Andy Gallie said: “During the summer months Jersey Fire and Rescue sees a significant increase in the number of refuse bin fires, primarily due to the careless disposal of throw-away barbeques. After use, please allow any barbeques to fully cool down, before disposing of them in a refuse bin.”
Picture: Jersey Fire & Rescue.