Garbage truck forced to dump rubbish on Mascot street after it catches alight

A garbage truck has been forced to dump its rubbish load outside a fire station in Sydney, after a chemical reaction caused a fire inside waste collection container.

The contents of a garbage truck caught fire due to a chemical reaction outside the fire station on Coward St in Mascot, Sydney. Picture: Simon Bullard.

A chemical reaction has caused a garbage truck to catch fire, leading the driver to dump its load outside a fire station in Sydney’s south this morning.

About 4am, firefighters responded to the fire outside Mascot Fire Station on Coward St which was caused by a bleached substance reacting to other materials inside the truck, leading to the emergence of a toxic vapour cloud.

Six trucks and 22 firefighters were continuing to control the incident, as of 10.30am.

Residents have been allowed to stay at home, but have been told to leave their doors and windows closed while the cloud dissipates.

Superintendent Adam Dewberry said it was not as bad as first feared. Picture: Simon Bullard.

At the scene, Fire and Rescue Super Intendant Adam Dewberry said first responders had fears that the quantity of bleached and hazardous materials was far worse.

“The initial reports were 500kg, but that’s significantly less and it is about 100kg,” Supt Dewberry said.

He said they were managing water run-off and are working with environment officials to make sure that it is safe for residents in the area.

“We have contacted EPA, to work with them and to make sure we are looking after the environment.”

The contents of a garbage truck on the street in Mascot, Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

No injuries have been reported, and the source of the substance is unknown at this stage. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area as Coward St is blocked off from the corner of Botany Rd.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Garbage truck forced to dump rubbish on Mascot street after it catches alight