Tayside Fire Brigade has been “alarmed” by five incidents in recent weeks where fire has broken out in Dundee tenement blocks after dumped rubbish was set alight.

Mr Wallace said, “There has been five incidents where waste materials were set on fire in common closes”.

“In one incident, the persons responsible had gone up to the top floor to set fire to a bag of rubbish — the question is why was the rubbish left there in the first place?

“It’s alarming and could lead to a fatality. It’s a death waiting to happen.

“The last thing we want as a fire brigade is for something to happen.

“We really need to get the message across to occupants not to leave rubbish in closes, as it does become a target for people to set fire to deliberately.

“Do people want to put themselves in that position?

“Closes are also the main route of escape from flats and bags of rubbish create an obstacle.”

Mr Wallace also urged all residents not to ignore flammable items deposited by others.

“People have to take ownership of waste material. If people have rubbish to get rid of, the council operates a pick-up service, which will take it away for a very low cost, so there is no need to be dumping rubbish.

“If it’s not your rubbish, put it outside. Don’t risk a tragedy or long-term damage to the property.”

Mr Wallace said he could “not understand” why people would want to deliberately set fire to rubbish.

“It’s temptation,” he said.

“I don’t think young people deliberately go out to set fire to it.

“People living in tenements should be aware that leaving rubbish in a common close could be dangerous. It could be set alight either accidentally or maliciously.”

Mr Wallace also asked anyone who has replaced their flat door recently to ensure its fire proof.