A MAN who set a fire to an industrial bin at John Dee Warwick abattoir has narrowly avoided time behind bars.

Wade Joseph Lacey was originally charged with one count of arson after the event on August 10, 2013.

However, the charge had later been reduced to one count of endangering property by fire.

Lacey, 30, was drunk at the time of the offence, and had gone to the abattoir about 10.30pm to find cigarette butts to smoke.

The Warwick District Court heard he had a significant criminal history including numerous drink-driving offences.

Crown prosecutor Noel Needham told the court Lacey had previously been an employee of John Dee Warwick.

"His employment was terminated some time ago. However, we don't believe this was the reason for the act," he said.

"In the CCTV footage Mr Lacey can be seen wandering around the grounds before he sets fire to the bin.

"It also appears in the footage Mr Lacey turned around and went back to check on the fire before leaving the grounds.

"After the fire took hold near the back of a cold room it takes some time before fire crews arrive on the scene."

Mr Needham told the court the fire caused just under $15,000 worth of damage, but could have easily turned into a disaster.

"It could have been a lot worse for the business with the fire being located at the back of a cold room," he said.

"I'd like to see a punishment that sends a message to the community that doing things by the influence of alcohol is a dangerous thing to do."

Judge Julie Ryrie said the man had to understand how serious his stupid actions were.

"It could have turned into a large bushfire and destroyed not only the business, but homes," she said.

"Mr Lacey doesn't have the benefit of youth and should know better.

"It's clear from Mr Lacey's medical schedule he is getting treated and overcoming a problem with alcohol, but the sentence must reflect the community's concern."

Judge Ryrie said the community's concern was simple.

"One must not - drunk or not - light a fire recklessly."

Mr Lacey received a two-year suspended sentence and did not have to pay compensation for the damage.

Judge Ryrie said because Mr Lacey had no form of income, it would be unfair for family members to have to fork out money for someone else's foolish actions.