FLY-TIPPING in blocks of flats is putting lives at risk, fire chiefs have warned.

Rubbish and unwanted furniture can attract firebugs and block the way for firefighters and residents.

The warning comes after a man was taken to hospital after a blaze broke out in the ground floor close of a building in Arden, Glasgow.

Crews were called to Kilmuir Crescent at around 5.10pm on Monday.

Firefighters used a single hosereel jet to extinguish the flames.

The man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

Group Manager John McGarvey, SFRS head of prevention and protection in Glasgow, said: "Even the smallest of fires produces toxic smoke that threatens lives.

"In a confined space like a close the danger is increased because it will very quickly travel, affecting all flats on the floors above.

"Many fires in closes are started deliberately and leaving items like rubbish or unwanted household appliances and furniture can attract the irresponsible minority involved in this reckless, criminal behaviour.

"Items in a close can fuel a fire and produce extremely thick levels of smoke that pose a serious threat to life.

"But even if they aren’t involved in the fire itself they still endanger people by impeding their escape.

"By making sure nothing is ever left on a landing or the stairs people can make a serious incident much less likely."