Somerset Council has warned of two recent cases of battery-linked fires that took place in a Material Recycling Facility (MRF) and a collection vehicle.
The local authority’s statement last Friday confirmed that the two dangerous incidents were well-managed by SUEZ teams, whose quick responses helped to mitigate the risk posed to those at the scene.
According to the council, one of the fires occurred at the Taunton MRF and involved a skip, while the second took place within a waste collection vehicle.
The statement confirms that an undetected battery was the likely cause of each incident.
While the efficient action of SUEZ staff and fire crews has been praised by the council, a plea has been issued to members of the community which urges them to avoid disposing of items including batteries and gas canisters incorrectly.
Reinforcing that batteries and vapes must never be discarded of in rubbish bins, the local authority has reminded residents to refer to its waste collection safety guidance to ensure they are recycling dangerous items safely.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said: ‘I’d like to thank the crews who acted so quickly and professionally in these incidents. Fires caused by misplaced batteries, vapes and gas canisters put people, vehicles and recycling facilities at real risk.
‘We’re asking residents to please take extra care and follow the guidance on our website, so these items are disposed of safely and correctly.’
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Photo: © John Cameron.
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