A CAMPAIGN will be launched to stop fires caused by arson attacks on abandoned rubbish.

The London Fire Brigade will launch Fires are Rubbish later this year to encourage people to be responsible with their garbage.

It will work in partnership with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy to create a system where people can report abandoned rubbish in one centralised service.

The campaign follows a surge in arson attacks where dumped furniture, car tyres, scraps of wood and cardboard boxes are deliberately set on fire.

A brigade spokesman said: “Most of these fires can be avoided by clearing up rubbish, making all of us safer, not to mention making the places where we live look nicer too.

“If you have furniture or large amounts of rubbish, don’t dump it on the street.

"Think about what a dangerous fire risk you are leaving for someone to get hurt or the damage it might cause.”