South Burnett Regional Council caution after garbage truck goes up in smoke

The South Burnett council has issued a warning after an incorrectly binned item sparked a garbage truck fire. DETAILS

A JJ’s Waste & Recycling waste collection truck driver was forced to dump his load of waste after noticing a fire in the truck.

South Burnett residents have been reminded to be careful what they bin after a fire erupted from a garbage truck this week.

On Tuesday between 8am-10am a fire occurred in a JJ’s Waste & Recycling waste collection truck in Nanango.

The driver was forced to dump his load of waste at Arthur Street.

A South Burnett Regional Council spokesman said the fire was started by a lithium battery in a television which was dumped in the truck from one of the wheelie bins.

The burning garbage was dumped to prevent further blaze.

“Lithium batteries can spontaneously ignite when overheated or damaged,” he said.

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“This could have resulted in a more dangerous situation if the fire had not been detected early.”

Council urges residents to be vigilant their waste and are reminded that any items such as batteries should not be placed in the kerbside wheelie bins.

Resident can contact Council’s Waste Management Services on 4189 9100 if any questions arise.

Originally published as South Burnett Regional Council caution after garbage truck goes up in smoke