Fire Service Urges Residents To Dispose Of Batteries Correctly

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to dispose of batteries correctly, following yet another fire in a waste lorry. 

Earlier today around 25 firefighters attended an incident on Clarence Road, Worksop, after a fire started in a refuse collection vehicle. Crews used 16 sets of Breathing Apparatus, two hose reel jets, and drag rakes to bring the fire under control. 

The fire is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery that was crushed during the collection process, igniting the contents of the lorry. 

Station Manager Matt Nash said: “We attend far too many incidents like this, and they are completely avoidable. 

“Batteries, especially lithium-ion ones, can cause serious fires when damaged or crushed. We are asking residents to make it their New Year’s resolution to dispose of batteries correctly at designated recycling points. 

“Doing this keeps you safe and prevents dangerous fires happening in our communities.”

Bassetlaw District Council assisted at the scene. 

Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “I am extremely grateful to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt actions in tackling the fire in one of our bin lorries. The scene has now been cleared, and we have had skips, street sweepers and litter pickers out to remove the debris from Clarence Road.

"I’d urge people to really think about what they are putting in their bins and please dispose of things with batteries like vapes for example at a proper recycling point. We were actually collecting dry recycling - there should have been nothing with batteries in any of these bins.

To find out what can go in the appropriate bin please visit our website www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste.”