Carlisle firefighters were called out to reports of a bin on fire at an industrial unit to the rear of Water Street.
But when the crews arrived at 11pm on Saturday 18 February, they discovered a total of four industrial bins were all well alight.
A spokesperson for Carlisle East Fire station said it is believed the bins were deliberately ignited by persons unknown.
The blaze was extinguished using breathing apparatus and hose reels.
