I’m sorry you’re dealing with this—it’s frustrating and dangerous. The best approach is prevention plus consistent reporting, not confrontation. If you ever see a fire in progress, call emergency services right away and keep a safe distance; don’t try to stop the person yourself.
Start by making the bins a less tempting target. Ask the property owner or waste hauler to move them into a well-lit, visible spot, away from fences, walls, and other flammable clutter. Keep lids closed and, if possible, locked or secured with a simple cable. Empty bins often and avoid overflow—loose paper and bags make fires easier. Request metal or fire-resistant bins if your city or hauler offers them.
Then get the city involved. Report every incident to the non-emergency police line and the fire department’s arson or prevention unit. Keep dates, times, and photos if it’s safe. Ask your local 311 or council office for alley lighting, a security assessment, or a fire-safe bin program. A motion-sensor light and a legal camera covering the bins can help, but check local rules and your landlord’s approval first.
Finally, make it a neighborhood issue, not just yours. Share a simple reporting routine with neighbors, organize a clean-up day, and ask the city for “no dumping” signs. Talk with nearby businesses about keeping their trash areas tidy. It also helps to ask the fire marshal for a prevention walk-through. None of this guarantees the behavior will stop, but layered steps usually make the alley safer and give authorities a clearer pattern to act on.