Firefighters issue warning after mobile phone sparks recycling lorry fire in Burgess Hill
Discarded lithium-ion batteries caused smouldering inside vehicle.
Firefighters have urged the public to dispose of electrical items safely following a fire inside a recycling lorry caused by a discarded mobile phone.
The incident occurred on 22nd January at the Burgess Hill Recycling Centre after staff noticed a burning smell coming from the vehicle.
Crews were called to the scene and used thermal imaging cameras to locate two smouldering areas after emptying the contents of the vehicle. A high-pressure hose reel was then used to extinguish the hotspots.
Among the waste, several mobile phones were identified as the cause of the fire. According to firefighters, lithium-ion batteries found in mobile phones can ignite when damaged or crushed, posing a significant hazard during waste collection and recycling processes.
Crew Manager Tony Day highlighted the risks posed by improper disposal of electrical items and batteries.
“Electrical items and batteries should never be thrown away in general waste or recycling bins,” Day said.
“They can become damaged from crushing during the collection and sorting process, causing paper, plastics, and other materials to catch alight.
“What may start as a small fire can quickly spread and become much larger inside a collection vehicle or at a waste transfer site. This puts staff at risk, disrupts services and can result in significant damage. It also puts pressure on our ability to attend other emergencies where lives could be at risk.”
Tony Day advised residents to take old electrical items to their local recycling centre or use battery and small electrical kerbside collection services offered by local councils.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has established the LIBERATE group to address the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The group shares best practices, monitors emerging trends, and raises awareness of potential hazards.
LIBERATE currently includes 220 members from a variety of organisations, including other fire and rescue services and waste management companies.
The fire service has reminded residents to check its website for more information on how to safely dispose of batteries and electrical items.