A huge fire which damaged multiple council food waste bins in Whitehawk was started deliberately, police believe.
The police helicopter was scrambled to assist Sussex Police after dozens of people called 999 at about 1pm today.
At its height, huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing across East Brighton as three fire crews battled the flames.
Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment.
A police spokeswoman said: “Emergency services were called to a report of a fire in Wilson Avenue, Brighton, shortly after 1pm on Tuesday (28 April).
“The fire has been extinguished, and no injuries have been reported.
“At this time, it is believed the fire was started deliberately. An investigation is ongoing with East Sussex Fire and Rescue.
“Temporary road closures were in place at the junction of Wilson Avenue and Warren Road. These have now been lifted.
“Witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting reference CAD 687 28/04.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue said the fire was out by 2.50pm.
In April last year, decomposing garden waste caught fire in a lorry at the Hollingdean depot, which led to 24-hour security in case of any similar fires starting.
The lorry had a defect which meant it could not be tipped, and decomposing organic matter can become hot enough to start fires.
I would suspect our union friends again I think. Very strange. Will be interesting to hear what the council has to say.
On what basis? There hasn’t been an investigation yet!
More likely to be a lout or two thinking they are being brave and somehow clever
On the basis that certain people that were in the GMB and have since been sacked are very petty. Pretty reasonable assumption
Who would set fire to that-in broad daylight.
Surely someone would have seen someone doing that.
When I saw the Picture in the Argus online showing Staff outside on the Wilson Ave, all that smoke was coming from the left hand side, yet when you enter you go down the slope towards the right.
So is that food waste in a separate side than the Household tip for the public to use.