A wheelie bin may have been deliberately placed next to a gas pipe before being set on fire on a Telford housing estate, warned the fire crime investigation officer from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Derek Taylor said that both police and the fire service were investigating the "extremely dangerous" incident in Boulton Grange, Randlay.
A fire crew from Telford were called to the scene when the blaze from the bin cracked the gas pipe before leaking gas vapours set on fire.
Firefighters turned off the gas supply to the home and alerted British Gas to isolate the supply.
"The wheelie bin involved in the fire caused the gas pipe to fragment, releasing gas, which then ignited. It could have been extremely dangerous. The bin may have been deliberately placed next to the gas pipe," said Mr Taylor, who urged residents to ensure their bins were located in a safe place away from properties to prevent the risk of fire. Bins should also not be put out late at night for next day collection.
The alarm was raised on Saturday (January 2nd) at 2.20pm.
