Basildon and Rayleigh Weir fire safety crews were called to the scene after council workers noticed the fire on Church Road.

In a statement following the incident, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that an e-scooter disposed of in a wheelie bin had started the blaze.

Station Manager, Jason Gould said: ‘About 10% of the rubbish was alight but crews managed to remove the burning material and stop it from spreading to the vehicle.’

Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure at Basildon Council, said: ‘Fortunately no one was injured in the incident and thanks to the actions of the refuse crew and the fire service the blaze was dealt with quickly and safely.’

Warning against the incorrect disposal of electrical equipment, Gould emphasised that ‘lithium-ion batteries or any items containing them’ must not be discarded in general waste bins.

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