Warning after bin lorry fire in Biggleswade

Firefighters from Biggleswade and Sandy were called to reports of smoke coming from the back of a bin lorry at around 11.06am on Thursday (August 27).

After putting out the fire, they turned over the waste inside the vehicle, which had been in Biggleswade, and dampened it down – before the lorry went back to the depot so the contents could be safely disposed of.

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: “Whilst we currently have no information about the cause of this fire, it is the case that batteries, vapes and electrical items containing batteries, do cause fires in refuse waste vehicles and should never be placed in general waste bins. Batteries can pose a serious fire risk when they are damaged or crushed during the waste collection and treatment process.

"Residents can dispose of household batteries safely by placing them separately in a small bag on top of their general waste bin for collection. Alternatively, batteries can be taken to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres for safe disposal, and many shops have battery collection points.

"Please don’t put batteries, vapes or electrical items containing batteries in your general waste or recycling bins.”