Warning after batteries cause Lancashire lorry fire

Quick thinking refuse workers averted a major fire in their wagon when they spotted wrongly discarded batteries had ignited.

The crew working for Wyre Council contracted Veolia "ejected" the batteries from the hopper on the back of their wagon after the alert on Coniston Road, Hambledon, Lancashire on Thursday at about 13:40 BST.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters attended and spent 30 minutes at the scene.

As Veolia spokeswoman said: "Thanks to the quick actions of our team and the emergency services, no one was injured."

Wyre Council added: "We are grateful to our crew for their prompt actions."

Veolia's spokeswoman also said: "We can confirm that a fire broke out in a collection vehicle on Coniston Avenue in at around 1:40pm on Thursday 28 May after lithium-ion batteries were incorrectly placed in a household waste bin.

"The batteries ignited in the back of the collection vehicle."

She added: "Batteries, small electrical items, and vapes are the leading cause of waste fires like this one. They pose a serious risk to our crews and the general public.

"These items should always be disposed of separately at dedicated recycling points, such as at Household Recycling Centres or large supermarkets.

"Disposing of these items correctly greatly reduces the risk of fires, protecting both our colleagues and the infrastructure behind essential waste services."

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