A large amount of rubbish was set on fire next to a fire escape to a flat above some shops in Dinnington.
The blaze was started at around 11pm on Thursday night at the rear of the shops on Laughton Road.
Luckily no one was hurt in the incident, which was tackled by Aston Park firefighters using a hose reel.
Anyone with information about people starting fires deliberately should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.