Leeds City Council has recently issued an urgent warning to residents concerning a spate of fires that have erupted in the back of bin lorries during routine waste collections. The incidents occurred in the areas of Burmantofts, Armley, and Middleton, where smoke was reported billowing from the vehicles on three separate occasions. Each situation necessitated the intervention of the fire service to manage the emergencies, as crews had to offload smouldering waste onto the road for safe extinguishment.
The fires were reportedly linked to improperly disposed items, particularly disposable barbecues and batteries associated with electronic devices such as vapes. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, the council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, emphasised the dangers posed by even minor ignition sources. “Fires in bin wagons or at recycling centres can be started from the smallest spark or heat source,” he remarked, highlighting the risks to both waste management workers and the equipment involved. Fortunately, in these instances, no injuries were reported and the immediate impacts on vehicles and property were minimal, although the disruption caused inconvenience to local residents.
In light of these events, the council has reiterated essential safety practices for disposal. They advise that disposable barbecues should be allowed to cool completely, ideally overnight. Residents are encouraged to soak them in water and then securely wrap them in foil before placing them in black wheelie bins. Additionally, loose batteries, especially lithium-ion types found in vapes, pose significant hazards. The National Fire Chiefs Council has documented a national increase of 71% in battery-related fires over the past year, attributing many occurrences to improper disposal methods. Over 1,200 such incidents were reported across the UK in the last year alone, underscoring the pressing need for awareness around the disposal of lithium-ion batteries that can explode or ignite when crushed.
Authorities across various councils including Stratford-on-Avon and Cambridge have echoed similar warnings. Both councils have highlighted the necessity of ensuring disposable barbecues are fully extinguished before disposal, and urged residents to recycle batteries appropriately to mitigate the risk of fires. Shared guidance from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service stresses that batteries should never be placed in general waste due to their potential to ignite and cause fires that are difficult to suppress.
In summary, as Leeds City Council combats these recent fire hazards, residents are urged to adopt safer disposal practices. The emphasis on responsible waste management not only helps protect local communities but also contributes to broader environmental safety. As the community navigates these challenges, increased vigilance from residents in managing waste could prevent further incidents, ensuring both public safety and environmental responsibility remain a priority.
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Source: Noah Wire Services